Bakhmut gave and keeps giving one of the greatest results during this war, during the entire battle for Donbas.
This was stated by President Volodymyr Zelenskiy during his video address.
He informed that a meeting of the Headquarters of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief was held, where the topic of Bakhmut became the main one. We looked at the situation on operational lines, at each key point of the battles. The Chief, commanders, and intelligence made a report. There was a special report on the situation in Bakhmut, around the city, and more than an hour-long conversation.
"I want to be frank in such topics. Unfortunately, there are many different disinformation messages. From those who cannot even hear completely secret conversations about defense, but say something about some alleged decisions on defense issues," Zelenskiy said.
He noted that society should understand the true meaning of Ukrainian defense operations.
"Today at the meeting, I directly asked the commander of "Khortytsia" General Syrskiy and Chief Commander Zaluzhnyy about how they see the future defensive operation in the Bakhmut direction. Whether to retreat or to continue the defense and strengthen the city. Both generals answered: not to withdraw but to intensify," said Zelensky.
And this position was unanimously supported by the Headquarters. There were no other offers. The Head of State told the Commander-in-Chief to find appropriate forces to help the soldiers in Bakhmut.
"The occupier kills us for the mere fact that we are Ukrainians. For just one word about Ukraine. For our dream of Ukraine. For our life - the life of Ukrainians. And we destroy the occupier everywhere - wherever it gives any result for Ukraine. Bakhmut gave and keeps giving one of the greatest results during this war, during the entire battle for Donbas," Zelenskiy said.
He thanked every soldier who fights in this most difficult direction. Who fights for all parts of our state, in all directions.
"We defend and will defend every part of Ukraine. The time will come and we will liberate every city and every village of our country. And we will make the occupier answer for every shot against Ukraine, for every meanness against Ukrainians. If we can make it legally, let's make it so. If just weapons can do then we will use weapons", the President emphasized.
He noted that thanks to our unity, determination, and to the fact that we value all of Ukraine and every Ukrainian, we know exactly the outcome of this war. We know from the first days of the war.
""Slava Ukrayini!"["Glory to Ukraine!" - ed.] will always be heard in Ukraine. And millions will always answer: "Heroyam Slava!" ["Glory to the heroes!" - ed.]. It will always be like that. Ukraine will not forget the feat of every single one whose life gave freedom to Ukraine," said Zelenskiy.
The president also reacted to the video that appeared, where the occupiers brutally killed a soldier who bravely told them in their face: "Slava Ukrayini!".
"I want us all together, in unity, to respond to his words: "Glory to the hero! Glory to heroes! Glory to Ukraine!". And we will find the killers. I thank everyone who is now fighting for Ukraine! Thanks to everyone who helps Ukraine!" said the President.
