Drone footage shows Bakhmut devastated by Russian forces

Drone footage published by Russia's RIA news agency on Sunday, 26 February shows extensive damage in the city of Bakhmut. The city has been the scene of multiple fierce battles between the Ukrainian army and the Russian military. The months-long struggle for Bakhmut, where roughly 5,000 residents remain, has seen some of the bloodiest combat during Russia's brutal invasion. Wagner Group leader and Russian mercenary Yevgeny Prigozhin claimed his forces have captured more settlements around Bakhmut. The Ukrainian army says attacks were continuing, citing "unsuccessful offensives" near six settlements, including Yahidne and Berkhivka, in the Donetsk region, which Moscow claims to have annexed. Russia has made progress towards encircling Bakhmut but failed to capture it in time to deliver a victory for President Vladimir Putin to announce on Friday's anniversary of his invasion. Click here to subscribe to The Independent: https://bit.ly/Subscribe-to-Independent About The Independent: Making Change Happen. The Independent is the world’s most free-thinking newsbrand, providing global news, commentary and analysis for the independently-minded. Connect with The Independent: Check out our full video catalog:    / theindependent   Videos, daily editorial and more: http://www.theindy.com Click here to get the best of The Independent daily: https://www.independent.co.uk/newslet... Like The Independent on Facebook: https://www.fb.com/TheIndependentOnline Follow The Independent on Twitter:   / independent   Follow The Independent on Instagram:   / the.independent   Download the iOS & Android app: https://www.independent.co.uk/subscri... Help to support truly independent journalism. Every dollar you contribute will directly fund additional special reports and investigations from a free-thinking, award-winning newsroom you can trust - https://www.independent.co.uk/donations Subscribe to Independent Premium for exclusive content & live events: https://bit.ly/2MiOONB