Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine cannot give up on holding Bakhmut, as its conquest by Russian forces could allow them to advance on Kramatorsk and Sloviansk in the Donetsk region.

Ukraine cannot give up on holding Bakhmut because this would expand the battle front and give Russian forces and Wagner a chance to seize more Ukrainian lands

If Russia captures Bakhmut, it could be used as a stepping-stone to advance on Kramatorsk and Sloviansk

Russian President Vladimir Putin is fighting for his life in Ukraine, not for his country

Azamat Uldarov admitted to shooting a child and orders to kill civilians in Donetsk Oblast.

Aleksei Savichev confirmed similar orders to kill civilians.

It is impossible for us to give up on Bakhmut because this will [help] expand the battlefront and give the Russian forces and Wagner chances to seize more of our lands

Fierce battles are ongoing. There is no encirclement.