In an interview with the Associated Press, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy explained why preserving the city of Bakhmut is so important to his country. What is especially exciting about his statements is that he mainly links this to the psyche and personality of Kremlin boss Vladimir Putin.
The Ukrainian city of Bakhmut has been heavily fought over for months. The devastation has now reached an incredible scale. Zelenskyj has now commented on why Bakhmut’s fall would be a costly political rather than tactical defeat.
Showing weakness prohibited
If Bakhmut falls, Zelenskyy said, Russian President Vladimir Putin would “sell this victory in the West as well as in Russia, in China and in Iran”. Because: “As soon as he smells blood, he feels that we are weak, and then he starts to apply more and more pressure,” he continued.
The mood in Ukraine can change
Bakhmut’s fate would also affect the mood of Ukrainian society. “Our society will get tired,” he said. “Our society will urge me to compromise with them (Russian authorities – ed.),” continued the Ukrainian leader.
Russia has an army with a ‘little heart’
He tried to regain courage. After all, he says war is “a series of victories”. It’s small victories and small steps. He added that Ukraine was fighting a “very big country, a very big enemy and a very big army” – which only had “little hearts”. The war united the Ukrainians, even if it could have divided the people – but his people consciously chose the first option.
Bakhmut has been fought since July 2022. Despite resistance from the Ukrainian defenders, Russian troops, including the Russian Wagner mercenaries, are gradually advancing. According to the American Institute for the Study of War (ISW), Russian forces captured an additional 5 percent of Bakhmut during March 21-28, controlling 65 percent of the city.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
