Russia did not capture Soledar, Ukraine insists

Read also: Street fighting ongoing in and around Soledar, says Donetsk governor

According to Cherevaty, Soledar remains contested, while Ukrainian troops are focused on two objectives in the area.

“There are two main tasks; the first is to prevent the enemy from systematically breaking through the defenses, entering the rear and the (wider) operational space in order to continue the occupation of our land,” said Cherevaty.

“And the second task is to bleed it (the enemy force) as much as possible, destroy its stock and equipment, and reduce its offensive potential.”

Read also: Russia concentrated everything it has in Donbas, Zelenskyy says

He added that the Armed Forces of Ukraine successfully managed to carry out these two tasks in Donbas for months, decimating the opposing force “on an industrial scale” and preventing them from advancing strategically.

“Our units are fighting and inflicting constant losses on the enemy,” the spokesman added.

Read also: Fighting in Soledar and Bakhmut comparable to Battle of Verdun, Zelenskyy’s chief-of-staff says

“And every day they show that this city does not give up. Our Armed Forces are doing everything to make the enemy pay an incredible price for every meter he tries to gain.”

Russian military command appears to have become obsessed with seizing Soledar, in the first weeks of 2023.

Read also: Capturing Soledar and Bakhmut won’t help Russia turn the tide, White House says

Earlier, Ukraine’s Operational Command East spokesman Serhiy Cherevaty reported that Russia has deployed the bulk of its forces, including Wagner mercenaries, near Soledar in Donetsk Oblast.

By Jan. 13, Russian media were already claiming victory in the battle for Soledar, while Ukraine’s General Staff maintains that fighting for the town continues. Conquering Soledar would enable Moscow’s forces to put increased pressure on nearby Bakhmut.

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine