Russian’s Forces trying to Encircle last Ukrainian Defenders

Afghan Voice Agency(AVA)_Monitoring, Russia is trying to cut the Ukrainian defenders’ supply lines to the city and force them to surrender or withdraw. That would give Russia its first major prize in more than half a year and open the way to the capture of the last remaining urban centres in the Donetsk region.

Ukraine’s military said Russia had strengthened its forces in the Bakhmut area and was shelling settlements around the city.

“Both sides stay in their positions, because as you see, spring means mud. Thus, it is impossible to move forward,” said Mykola, 59, commander of a Ukrainian frontline rocket launcher battery, watching a tablet screen for coordinates to fire, Reuters reported.

Russia said its forces had destroyed a Ukrainian ammunition depot near Bakhmut and shot down U.S.-made rockets and Ukrainian drones.

The Russian defence ministry said the United States was planning a provocation in Ukraine using toxic chemicals. There was no immediate U.S. response.