The Ukrainian military has reported exceptionally brutal fighting in the eastern city of Bakhmut, as Russian-backed Wagner mercenaries continue their offensive to capture the city. However, pro-Kyiv forces are still holding on, according to Ukraine's military. The Wagner group has been leading Russia's campaign to seize Bakhmut since last summer, resulting in the longest and deadliest battle for both sides. The Russian defence ministry claimed earlier that Wagner fighters had captured two more areas in Bakhmut. While Britain stated on Friday that Ukrainian forces had been forced to concede some territory, there is no independent confirmation of these claims. Bakhmut, with a pre-war population of approximately 70,000 people, has been Russia's primary target in a winter offensive that has resulted in minimal gains. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, in his daily video address on Saturday, made no mention of the ongoing fighting in Bakhmut and reiterated Ukraine's desire to join NATO as soon as possible, without giving any specifics about the security guarantees required.