Ukraine’s soldiers make determined stand against Russia in brutal battle for Bakhmut

The basement in Bakhmut, Ukraine, trembles from the constant barrage of shelling above ground, as a bloodied, pale soldier, is brought in, having sustained shrapnel wounds. Soldiers move to help the medic treat the wounded man but are forced to quickly take cover when another Russian rocket crashes nearby, its impact felt in the surrounding abandoned housing.

A soldier lying on a mud-stained mattress as the medic attempts to stem the bleeding, said…

“Why am I so cold, doctor? I feel like I’m fading.”

The thunder of Russian artillery echoes throughout Bakhmut’s Soviet-era residential blocs, as witnessed during a rare visit to the embattled city by journalists accompanying Ukrainian troops. Courtyards at the base of artillery-scarred buildings are strewn with twisted metal from bombed playgrounds, shattered glass, and makeshift crosses marking the graves of hastily buried civilians.

Ukrainian troops, taking refuge in a network of dimly lit and cramped basements, continue to make a determined last stand against the Russian invasion in this longest and bloodiest battle of the war. The once-thriving town, known for its salt mines and sparkling wine production, has been at the centre of intense fighting for ten gruelling months.

Russia’s military has made slow yet costly gains, now controlling approximately 80% of the devastated town. Hope still burns within the Ukrainian troops, who comment on their resilient defence strategy, intending to wear down the waves of Russian forces before launching a large-scale counterattack.

A deputy battalion commander, identifying himself as “Philosopher,” describes the relentless nature of the Russian assault. He said…

“They don’t stop attacking day or night. Only when we hit them, they’re busy evacuating their wounded and killed.”

He acknowledges Russia’s incremental progress in capturing Bakhmut, but remains resolute in the face of adversity.

“Each day we resist here gives more opportunities for other units to prepare for a counterattack.”

The vast extent of the destruction is further revealed by drone footage provided by Ukrainian reconnaissance teams, which shows plumes of smoke hanging over rows of skeletal buildings. Despite their efforts, the Ukrainian troops are vulnerable due to a lack of resources – in particular, a severe shortage of shells.

The precarious situation becomes even more apparent due to the only remaining road under Ukrainian control, which is being used to supply the entrenched positions. Dubbed “The Road of Life”, this critical thoroughfare is lined with burnt-out vehicles, signalling the deadly fighting still to come.

A Ukrainian drone operator describes the state of the road, said…

“From above, from the sky, what you see is craters. It’s a mess.”

The 25-kilometre road is lined with charred trees and serves as a lifeline for new fighters and wounded to be transported in and out of Bakhmut.

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has previously warned that Bakhmut’s fall would provide an “open road” for Russian forces to further advance into the war-torn Donetsk region, which Moscow claims as Russian territory.

The stakes are high for an artillery crew commanding a Soviet-era cannon along the vital supply route. Their 26 year old leader, Andriy, understands the importance of their role in defending the road, said…

“If you cut (the road), everyone in Bakhmut is dead. No supplies. No ammunition. No food. Nothing. It would be completely cut off.”

The line of defence becomes even more perilous as Russian forces draw dangerously close along the supply route. At one point in the journey, a Ukrainian infantryman points out that Russian positions are 900 metres away – barely beyond the range of his Kalashnikov assault rifle.

The battle for control of the highway is relentless, with Ukrainian troops resisting Russian assaults that aim to seize this critical passage. A 38 year old infantryman named Andriy.

“We dig in and the Russians come in throwing everything they can at us, everything they have – everything is shelled with rockets, mortars, and tanks. There’s no place to hide.”

Several Ukrainian servicemen from the Aidar assault battalion reveal they have a pressing need for advanced artillery and ammunition to match and outgun the Russian forces.

Observers of the conflict suggest that while capturing Bakhmut may not have significant strategic value, the ferocity of the fighting here highlights the political dimensions of this protracted battle. The true measure of success will be which side emerges with more troops, equipment, and fighting capabilities for the next stage of the conflict.

One thing is certain: the prize for the eventual victors will be little more than a grim reminder of the devastating battle that unfolded in this once-thriving town.