Wagner Group boss now fearful as Putin ‘hangs him out to dry’ in major boost for West – experts; Russia population in ‘disastrous doom loop’ | War latest

Volodymyr Zelenskyy says it would be an “open road” for Russia to capture other cities if it were to seize Bakhmut, as he reiterated that his defence forces “have to stay strong” there.

In an interview with CNN, the Ukrainian president said the decision to defend the city so fiercely is “tactical”, warning that Vladimir Putin’s troops could head further to other towns in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region.

Mr Zelenskyy said he understands what Moscow wants to achieve with the embattled city.

“Russia needs at least some victory, a small victory, even by ruining everything in Bakhmut, just killing every civilian there,” he said.

“They need to put their little flag on top of [Bakhmut]”, Mr Zelenskyy added.

“It’s not a victory for them, it’s more…to mobilise their society in order to create this idea they’re such a powerful army.”

The city’s importance is mostly symbolic as analysts say it is not strategically key in the war and Russia capturing it would unlikely mark a turning point. 

However, it would mean Mr Putin could deliver some good news to his people back home.

Mr Zelenskyy said the towns of Kramatorsk and Sloviansk, in the Donetsk region, could be next in Moscow’s sights if it takes control of Bakhmut.

Some Ukrainian commanders have reportedly raised doubts over whether the country should cling on to the city, as casualties pile up and Russian forces grow closer.

But President Zelenskyy said he has “never heard anything like that” from his officials.

“We have to think about our people first and no one should be surrounded, encircled – this is very important,” he said.

“The military see for themselves that we have to stay strong there despite the fact that Russia ruined the whole city.”

We reported earlier that less than 4,000 civilians remain in Bakhmut – with nearly 40 children among them (see our 5.30pm post).

It had looked likely Ukraine would withdraw – but Mr Zelenskyy this morning doubled down and said defence of the town would continue.