NSDC Secretary Danilov: Bakhmut is not encircled so far

"As of now, Bakhmut is not encircled. But we understand that the situation is not easy. That is why a collective decision is made on what should be done in this or that direction and how this direction should be reinforced. These issues are discussed precisely at the Staff of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief," Oleksiy Danilov, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, said during the national news telethon, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

According to Danilov, the mentioned issue was raised at the Staff meeting on Monday, and all the nuances were discussed for at least one and a half hours.

Bakhmut is Ukrainian land, and "we must protect it," he stressed.

"If Bakhmut had not withstood, keep in mind that the defensive lines of our country would have been in completely different cities. And Bakhmut, which has really become a fortress over the past four months, is an important site for the defense of our entire state. We are aware of what is happening there. I emphasize once again: it is very, very important for us," he said.

According to the NSDC Secretary, the society will be informed about the relevant decisions.

"We are not going to hide anything. The situation in this area is difficult but controlled as our military says," Danilov added.