Ukraine has remained in control of a key supply route into Bakhmut, a military spokesperson said, as the head of Russia's mercenary Wagner Group threatened to withdraw some of his troops from the eastern city if Moscow did not send more ammunition.
Russian forces have been trying for 10 months to punch their way into the shattered remains of what was once a city of 70,000 people.
Kyiv has pledged to defend Bakhmut, which Russia sees as a stepping stone to attack other cities in the region.
"For several weeks, the Russians have been talking about seizing the 'road of life,' as well as about constant fire control over it," Serhiy Cherevatyi — a spokesperson for Ukrainian troops in the east — said in an interview with local news website Dzerkalo Tyzhnia.
"Yes, it is really difficult there … [but] the defence forces have not allowed the Russians to 'cut off' our logistics."