Ukrainian forces are repelling constant attacks on Bakhmut in the eastern Donbas region and holding their positions in nearby Soledar in arduous conditions, Volodymyr Zelenskiy has said. Absent another major Ukrainian breakthrough and success against Russian forces, Western pressures on Ukraine to negotiate a cease-fire will grow as months of military stalemate pass. Under current circumstances, any negotiated cease-fire would leave Russian forces in a strong position to resume their invasion whenever they are ready. Not just Russian citizens, but virtually any undercover soldiers captured by Russian forces would be dealt with harshly. "It will be a good precedent to demonstrate [to] others - to Germany first of all, with their Leopards… and Abrams from the United States," the Ukrainian source said.

Source: Washington Post January 10, 2023 05:03 UTC