Ukraine says Bakhmut situation is stabilising, Putin plays down tank shortage

26/3/2023 6:56

        Ukrainian forces have managed to blunt Russia's offensive in and around the embattled eastern city of Bakhmut, where the situation is stabilising, commander
        in chief General Valery Zaluzhniy said on Saturday.
        
        Separately, Britain's defence ministry said the months-long Russian assault on the city had stalled, mainly as a result of heavy troop losses.
        
        Military experts say there are clear signs Russia is running short of equipment, particularly heavy tanks.
        
        President Vladimir Putin told state television that Russia planned to build and upgrade a total of 1,600 tanks over the next three years, well above the 440 he said Western nations would supply Ukraine over the same period.
        
        Bakhmut is a major Russian target as it bids to fully capture Ukraine's industrialised Donbas region. At one point Russian commanders expressed confidence the city would fall soon but such claims have tailed off amid heavy fighting.