Russian bombardment continues in Bakhmut despite ceasefire

BAKHMUT, Ukraine - Russian forces on Friday continued bombarding the Ukrainian city of Bakhmut despite a unilateral truce announced by Moscow, according to a Rudaw reporter on the ground. 

Russia on Thursday announced a 36-hour ceasefire on the Ukrainian frontline due to the Russian Orthodox Christmas, starting from early Friday, but the truce was rejected by Kyiv which called it a “propaganda gesture.”  

Dilnya Rahman, Rudaw reporter in Bakhmut, said on Friday that Russian attacks on the city continued despite the truce. She added that the local authorities were planning the evacuation of residents to nearby areas. Over 80,000 people lived in the Ukrainian city but only less than a dozen thousand remain now. 

Only a few civilians could be seen on the streets, seeking food. 

“When will this awful war end? When will it end? Why does not Ukraine enter talks with Russia? Until when? I have children and grandchildren and now I live alone. I have spent all my life in Bakhmut but my city has been completely destroyed,” an elderly man, who was riding a bicycle, told Rudaw.

Bakhmut is located in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine.

More than 10 villages in the region have so far been emptied fearing severe implications of the conflict, according to information Rudaw obtained on the ground.

Kambat Alex, a Ukrainian military commander in Bakhmut, assured his nation that they will not abandon them. 

"The Ukrainian forces continue putting up a stiff defense. There is no step backward. The Ukrainian forces will protect this city for good. We will never give up on it. We live with principle. We do not fear death and have all the right to live. This is our land. No one can take it from us, he said.  

 

Updated on January 7, 2023, 10:45pm with comment from the commander