Ukraine reports gains around Bakhmut, battles continue

A view of shells exploding in a village north of Bakhmut occupied by Russian forces, as Russia's attack on Ukraine continues, in Paraskoviivka, Ukraine, released on May 14, 2023, in this screen grab obtained from social media video. Courtesy of 45th Separate Artillery Brigade of the ZSU via YouTube/via REUTERS

KYIV (Reuters) - Ukrainian troops have made gains around Bakhmut in recent days but Russian forces have advanced slightly in the eastern city itself, Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Maliar said on Tuesday.

She said the Ukrainian military had reclaimed about 20 square kilometers (7.5 square miles) or territory from the Russian forces in the past few days around Bakhmut, a small city where fighting has been fierce for months.