Ukrainian howitzers unleash artillery barrage near Bakhmut

UKRAINIAN howitzers fire shells near Bakhmut as army speaks of ’success’ Ukraine’s 57th motorised brigade fired artillery shells near Bakhmut on Wednesday (July 5) using Soviet-made and Ukrainian-made, NATO-standard howitzers alike. Russia said on Wednesday its forces had struck three Ukrainian army groups near Bakhmut, but Kyiv said its forces, despite limited control in the long-contested city, had the Russians all but pinned down. Russia’s Wagner mercenary group captured the shattered eastern city of Bakhmut in May after 10 months of fighting. The commander of a ’Bohdana’ self-propelled howitzer, which fires 155 mm NATO-standard calibre shells, said since Wagner mercenary fighters had left positions in Bakhmut some time ago, Russia threw in weaker troops. The Russian army in the area has since come under fierce pressure from Ukrainian forces who threaten to encircle it. The Russian defence ministry made no comment in its daily briefing on reports that Russian forces had retreated from the village of Klishchiivka, just southwest of Bakhmut. A Russian-installed official in eastern Ukraine denied the reports. Ukraine has said its forces have had “partial success“ in the Klishchiivka area. The Sun newspaper brings you the latest breaking news videos and explainers from the UK and around the world Become a Sun Subscriber and hit the bell to be the first to know Read The Sun: Like The Sun on Facebook: Follow The Sun on Twitter: Subscribe to The Sun on Snapchat: #warzone #ukraine #russia