Rishi Sunak praises Ukraine’s resistance in Bakhmut and condemns ‘horrific’ video of beheading during call with Volodymyr Zelensky
- Rishi Sunak and Volodymyr Zelensky assessed the situation on the call this morning
Rishi Sunak praised the resistance of Ukrainian forces in Bakhmut today as he held talks with Volodymyr Zelensky.
The prime minister was briefed on the heavy fighting around the city – which Russia claims has been encircled – on a call with the president this morning.
They also discussed how to ramp up arms supplies for the struggle against Vladimir Putin’s forces, while Mr Sunak condemned a “horrific” video that appeared to show the beheading of a captured Ukrainian soldier.
Russia has been trying since last summer to control the eastern city, which had a population of 70,000 before the war. However, experts say its strategic value is limited and the relegation now would be largely symbolic.
The Russian military said its airborne forces “prevent the transfer of Ukrainian army reserves to the city and the possibility of enemy units withdrawing”.
Ukrainian soldiers from the 80th Brigade firing artillery towards Bakhmut, on April 13
Rishi Sunak was briefed on the latest news of the heavy fighting around the city of Bakhmut – which Russia claims has been encircled – on a call with the President this morning.
It also said that Wagner mercenary units were advancing.
But the Ukrainian army told AFP that it had made contact with its forces inside Bakhmut and was able to send them ammunition.
“This does not correspond to reality,” said Sergei Sherevaty, a spokesman for the eastern Ukrainian forces, referring to Russia’s allegations.
“We are able to … deliver food products, ammunition and medicines, whatever is necessary, and also to bring relief to our wounded.”
MailOnline was unable to verify the situation on the ground in the eastern city.
A Downing Street spokeswoman said: “The Prime Minister spoke to President Zelensky this morning.
The leaders discussed the situation on the battlefield and the Prime Minister praised the efforts of the Ukrainian forces in Bakhmut.
The prime minister, while discussing the beheading of a Ukrainian soldier on social media in recent days, said the video was horrific and that those responsible should be held accountable.
Leaders also discussed efforts to accelerate military support to Ukraine, and the Prime Minister said the UK and its allies needed to continue to ensure Ukraine was in the strongest possible position to build on its recent successes on the battlefield.
The Prime Minister added that this includes increasing interoperability with NATO in the short and long term.
The leaders agreed to remain in close contact.
An aerial view shows the destruction of Pakhmut, the site of heavy fighting with Russian forces in Donetsk region, Ukraine, on March 26.
