Syrsky: Defence forces prevented the enemy from taking Bakhmut into operational encirclement

Colonel General Aleksandr Syrskyy, the commander of the AFU Ground Forces, said in a Telegram on Thursday, 9 March:

The defence of Bakhmut has been ongoing for almost seven months. The defence forces have made a number of tactical actions that have so far prevented the enemy from taking the town into operational encirclement. But the situation remains very difficult.

Syrsky stressed that the Russians are acting in their usual ways and do not count the men. But the number of soldiers is not the decisive advantage or factor of victory.

The colonel general noted:

We understand the tactical importance of Bakhmut to the enemy and we know its plans for action in other parts of the front. The defence forces now continue to defend the town. The situation is dynamic. Every move and decision here can change it dramatically. Every day is of the highest value.