NYT footage reveals “obliterated” city of Bakhmut

The New York Times released video footage captured by a drone that displays the ruins of Bakhmut in the Donetsk region. The area was left desolate after almost a year of being attacked by Russian troops.

The NYT reports that the battle in Bakhmut, Ukraine, has been ongoing for several months and is considered the longest and most violent of the war.

The American journalists took the video on May 19 and recorded burned buildings, destroyed schools, and mowed-down parks where the once peaceful city was.

Bakhmut is obliterated, the publication emphasizes.

"The Russians are declaring victory in this battle, the war's longest and bloodiest. The Ukrainians, making gains on the outskirts, say the death of the city is not the end of the campaign to drive the Russians from the ruins, just one more phase in a catastrophic war," the reports said. "The notion of a 'winner,' however, defies what is so clearly lost — the many lives and homes in the once peaceful city, known for its salt mines and sparkling wine, largely reduced to ashes."

"In a place filled with death and destruction, signs of life are the exception," the NYT added.

Ruryka reported that the Command of Ukraine's Special Operations Forces released a video from the devasted Bakhmut. The 93rd Kholodnyi Yar Mechanized Brigade showed photos of the destroyed, still unconquered city.

Recently, there have been claims made by Russian occupiers about the complete occupation of Bakhmut. However, official representatives of Ukraine have denied these allegations and stated that Ukrainian defenders are still fighting to protect a part of the city.

In May, the Ukrainian Armed Forces soldiers made significant progress near Bakhmut, successfully liberating some positions from the Russians. They are continuing their gradual advance with promising results.

Reports from British intelligence reveal that over the past four days, the Russian Federation has deployed multiple battalions to reinforce their troops in Bakhmut. These actions suggest that the Russian Federation may be trying to claim victory in the ongoing battle for the city.

According to the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, the Russian transfer of reserves to Bakhmut signifies Russia's unsuccessful offensive operations.

The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyi, denied reports of the city's complete occupation. He emphasized the value of soldiers' lives carrying out crucial tasks in the city.

Fighters of the 3rd separate assault brigade reported that they managed to advance another 700 meters deep into the outskirts of Bakhmut.