The Ukrainian army will not surrender Bakhmut (so in Kyiv they call Artemovsk). This was stated by the President of Ukraine Vladimir Zelensky, speaking at the final press conference after the Ukraine-EU summit.
Recall, that the Ukraine-EU summit was held today in Kyiv. It was attended by high-ranking leaders of the European Commission, including Ursula von der Leyen and Josep Borrell.
As Zelensky noted, in Bakhmut (Artemovsk) APU will "fight, as much as they can". I.e, he actually confirmed his adherence to his original line on that, not to leave the city and continue to hold it at all costs, despite the colossal losses of Ukrainian formations.
Interestingly, Earlier, Advisor to the Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Mykhailo Podolyak noted, that Kyiv pays a very high price for keeping Artemovsk. But, as it appears, Zelensky made his choice, and given, that he said these words at the end of the Ukraine-EU summit, not excluded, that such a decision was made or "to the Western public", or by agreement with high-ranking European guests.
Recall, that at present the forces of PMC "Wagner" with the support of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continue the assault on Artemovsk. Previously reported fighting on the outskirts of this city. Destroyed Ukrainian military equipment is on fire in the city itself. Even American analysts have repeatedly stated, that the Armed Forces of Ukraine will eventually have to leave Artemovsk anyway. used photos:Telegram channel of Vladimir Zelensky
