Ukraine has reportedly killed and wounded thousands of troops in the region

 
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky says his nation has fended off thousands of Russian soldiers, as the battle for Bakhmut intensifies.

The fight for the region is critical.

If Russia succeeds, it will help Moscow control the Donetsk region.

Ukraine’s Zelensky says forces are doing their best to keep enemy troops from advancing, while also wearing down Russian ammunition reserves.

“In less than a week, starting from 6 March, we managed to kill more than 1,100 enemy soldiers in the Bakhmut sector alone, Russia’s irreversible loss, right there, near Bakhmut,” Mr Zelensky said in his nightly video address.

The President also thanked his western allies for the support they are giving his nation during this time, calling for unity during this difficult time.