While fighting rages on in eastern Ukraine, the country is cutting soldiers’ wages

Vienna The fighting in eastern Ukraine has continued at high intensity in recent weeks, despite difficult conditions for both sides. The fronts have not moved very far. But battles are raging, especially in the Donbass. The focal points are Wuhledar, Avdiivka and Bakhmut.

The completely destroyed town of Bakhmut has not fallen, even after more than eight months of fighting. Mercenaries from the Wagner group and regular Russian soldiers control most of Bakhmut. So far, however, they have failed in their attempts to encircle the defenders.

How long and at what cost the Ukrainians will be able to hold the primarily symbolically important place is uncertain. Because the Ukrainians suffer from supply problems and are technically inferior to the armed forces on the Russian side.