Ukrainian and Russian casualties mount as battle for central Bakhmut rages

Ukrainian general says it is using opportunity to kill as many Russian troops as possible and wear down its reserves

Fierce fighting is raging for control of the centre of Bakhmut in eastern Ukraine, forces from both sides of the conflict have said, as casualties continue to mount in the longest and bloodiest battle of Russia’s war.

Russia ratcheted up its efforts to take Bakhmut in early February after months of intense fighting around the town, and has since inched into the small city’s suburbs. Ukraine’s forces are now fighting off attacks from the north, east, and south. Their only road out, to the west, is under Russian artillery fire.