If Russians believe they've captured Bakhmut, this isn't true - NSDC secretary

The National Security and Defense Council Secretary Oleksiy Danilov said this in an interview with CNN, Ukrinform reports.

"If they [Russians] believe they have taken Bakhmut, I can say that this is not true. As of today, part of Bakhmut is under our control. I can't say that all of it, but part of Bakhmut is still under our fire,” Danilov said.

The NSDC Secretary noted that the decision to hold this city as long as possible led to the destruction of a huge number of occupation troops.

“When it came to Bakhmut, these were decisions made at the strategic level. The defense operation was constantly under control at the meetings of the Commander-in-Chief's staff. We understood why we were doing it. In the Bakhmut direction, a large number of Russian soldiers were killed, not only the Wagner troops, but also special forces, airborne troops and representatives of other branches of the Russian army. A huge amount of equipment was destroyed, and they spent a huge amount of ammunition there. It was our strategic defense operation, which was successful for us, given that we held the territory for 10 months, where we were destroying them every day. They could not take Bakhmut for 10 months. What can they boast about?” Danilov added.

He also emphasized that when the President of Ukraine decides to launch a counteroffensive, Russia will definitely feel it.

“We are working according to our plan, we have it. We are clearly aware of when, where, how and what should start,” he said. “The final decision is up to the President, meeting of (the Commander-in-Chief's) staff. When the decision is made [about counteroffensive] Russia will definitely feel it,” Danilov said.

As Ukrinform reported, Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar said that the Ukrainian Armed Forces have made minor advances in the north and south of Bakhmut.