Praise The Success Of His Troops In Bakhmut, President Zelensky: The News We Have Been Waiting For, Good Work

Ukrainian ground forces commander Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi (center). (Twitter/@armyinformcomua)

JAKARTA - President Volodymyr Zelensky praised Ukrainian troops on Monday, after his army's top commander said the country's troops were continuing to advance near the long-frozen city of Bakhmut in northern Donetsk.

"I thank every one of our soldiers, to all our soldiers, men and women, who have provided the news we have been waiting for today. Good work, soldiers in the Bakhmut sector!" President Zelensky said in a video speech. evening, reported Reuters June 6.

However, he did not provide further details. Earlier, Ukrainian ground forces commander Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi said his troops continued to "move forward" near Bakhmut.

Meanwhile, Russian fighters and officials said the situation there was "very difficult" for Moscow.

Late last month, Russia claimed to have captured Bakhmut, after what had become the longest and bloodiest fighting of this war. However, Ukraine insists its troops have little foothold and denies that Moscow has taken control of the city.

President Zelensky said Russia reacted "hysterically" to any action taken by Ukrainian forces and chose two units that "sharp, firm and effectively defend our position, destroy the invaders, and most importantly, move forward".

Earlier, the Russian military said it had thwarted two major Ukrainian attacks on its troops in eastern Ukraine since Sunday.

However, Ukrainian officials did not mention any broad and significant new campaigns and avoided questions about the matter on Monday.