Heavy shelling continues in Ukrainian Bakhmut on Christmas
2023.01.08 05:43
Heavy shelling continues in Ukrainian Bakhmut on Christmas
Budrigannews.com – Despite Moscow’s declaration of a ceasefire for Eastern Orthodox Christmas, shellfire continued to ring out on Saturday around the near-deserted streets of the Ukrainian town of Bakhmut, the current epicenter of the most intense fighting in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The devastation of a city abandoned by the majority of its 70,000 pre-war inhabitants, where humanitarian volunteers now risk their lives to support those who stayed, was obscured by sparkling clear skies and a dusting of snow.
“Dear God, our town used to be so beautiful,” Olha, 75, said as she carried shopping bags down the street in smart attire and lipstick.
She continued, “There were roses everywhere, flowers,” without flinching at the distant boom. Everything was organized and clean.”
Despite Ukraine’s rejection of the offer, Moscow declared on Saturday that its forces in Ukraine would maintain a 36-hour ceasefire until midnight.
Facebook’s (NASDAQ:) Ukraine’s armed forces general staff reported on Saturday that Russian troops had shelled dozens of positions and settlements along the front line.
Vladimir Zelenskiy, the president of Ukraine, said that the attacks showed that Moscow could not be trusted.
“Something about a rumored ceasefire was mentioned by them. However, the truth is that Russian shells struck Bakhmut and other Ukrainian positions once more,” he stated in a video address.
Russia claimed that its troops had only responded to Ukrainian fire with artillery; The shells that were heard in Bakhmut could not be identified by Reuters.
“Do you know how the ceasefire works?” Vasyl Liesin, a 30-year-old humanitarian volunteer, said.
“When Putin claims that there is a ceasefire, it is actually the opposite: There is no truce. Yesterday, they shelled us heavily. It was quiet for most of the night. However, this is typically the case: There is shelling one day, and then it calms down the next.”
When you drive around Bakhmut, which is on the front line that divides Ukraine’s Donetsk province from the rest of it, you can see the marks of months of bombardment, like shattered storefronts, mangled workshops, and destroyed businesses.
As Russian attacks destroy basic civilian infrastructure, volunteers like Liesin help to maintain “invincibility centers,” which were set up to provide free services like electricity, heat, water, internet, mobile phone connections, and medicines.
Despite their indomitable spirit, the centers are far from invulnerable.
“A rocket hit us yesterday when we visited another point of invincibility for 15-20 minutes. Liesin, who was wearing a helmet and a flak jacket, stated, “It damaged a volunteer vehicle, killed one person, and injured four.”
One local Bakhmut volunteer lost a limb and had to be evacuated after being injured. The situation is unclear, but I hope that everyone was wearing their protective gear. They were clearly hurt, as far as we know.”
Olha, who did not want to be identified, mocked the idea of a Christmas break from Russia’s assault. She stated, “I think they’re tricking us; it’s pretty obvious to me.”
“What more can I say to you? Someone is obligated to keep a promise they make. It is necessary to keep promises. I simply do not comprehend, what do they require?”
More Heavy rain and snowfall in California and this is just beginning
