FOOTAGE shows burnt out military vehicles litter roads in Bakhmut against a smoky skyline after fierce fighting in the region.

The White House on Monday, May 1, estimated that more than 20,000 Russian soldiers have been killed, and a further 80,000 wounded, in fighting in the last five months in the Bakhmut region and other areas of Ukraine.

National Security Council Spokesman John Kirby, citing newly declassified intelligence, said half of those killed were part of the Wagner mercenary company, who have been attacking the eastern Bakhmut city.

“Russia’s attempt at a winter offensive in the Donbas largely through Bakhmut has failed,” Kirby said.

The US-based Institute for the Study of War said Russian forces continued to make gains in Bakhmut as of May 1, with some marginal gains on the T0513 Bakhmut-Siversk highway and within western Bakhmut.

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