Zelensky calls for bolstered defences in besieged town of Bakhmut
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has asked his military commanders to increase defence around the besieged Donbas town of Bakhmut.
Officials in the besieged city have said there is fighting on the streets, but Russia has not yet taken control.
In recent days, the Ministry of Defence says the area is "under increasingly severe pressure".
The head of Russia's Wagner Group private army claimed they have almost completely surrounded Bakhmut.
In his nightly address, Volodymyr Zelensky said he asked two of his top military commanders for their opinions on the situation in Bakhmut.
Mr Zelensky said they told him: "Do not withdraw and reinforce.
"And this opinion was unanimously backed by the staff. There were no other opinions," the President added.
"I told the Commander-in-Chief to find the appropriate forces to help the guys in Bakhmut.
"There is no part of Ukraine about which one can say that it can be abandoned. There is no Ukrainian trench in which the resilience and heroism of our warriors would be disregarded."
Bakhmut, which was once home to about 70,000 people, has been largely blasted to ruins following months of intense fighting.
Russia taking the city would represent a costly first victory for Moscow's winter offensive.
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