A Ukrainian military spokesman accused Moscow of „provocation” after its allied separatist forces it said the Ukrainian military blew up four buildings in the eastern mining town of Bakhmut, killing 20 civilians. He has stated that the Ukrainian troops never target civilians. Russia also denies involvement in the explosions. The Russian invasion army has been besieging Bakhmut for more than half a year. Ukraine sees the fighting there as essential to block the Russian forces on the entire eastern front, while military analysts say the city’s strategic importance is limited.
