As counteroffensive looms, Ukraine vows not to give up Bakhmut

FILE PHOTO: Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy speaks with Colonel-General Oleksandr Syrskyi, Commander of the Ground Forces, in the town of Izium, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kharkiv region,Ukraine September 14, 2022. Ukrainian Presidential Press Service/Handout via REUTERS

KYIV (Reuters) -Ukraine's military vowed on Tuesday not to give up the pulverised eastern city of Bakhmut as it prepares to launch a long-promised counteroffensive against Russian forces.

General Oleksandr Syrskyi, commander of ground forces, underlined the importance Kyiv attaches to holding Bakhmut as preparations continue for a counterattack which it hopes will change the dynamic of the war.