 Bloodier battles begin in Bakhmut. Kiev's forces in the embattled city of Bakhmut are allegedly considering a strategic retreat claimed economic advisor to Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky, Alexander Rodniansky, in an interview with CNN. In his words, Russia is currently trying to encircle Bakhmut using the best troops of the Wagner Private Military Company. He told that Kiev forces would retreat or strategically give up the city if they believe the costs of holding it outweigh the benefits. Rodniansky added that the Ukrainian military is obviously going to weigh all the options. So far they've held the city, but if need be they will strategically pull back because we're not going to sacrifice all of our people just for nothing. The presidential advisor added, noting that it was up to the military to ultimately decide when and if a withdrawal is required. Rodniansky also stated that the region west of the city had been fortified and that if Kiev's forces pulled out of Artyomovs, the Russian army wouldn't be able to advance quickly. Make no mistake, our counter-offensives will be around the corner soon, he proclaimed. Bakhmut is part of a 70 kilometre Ukrainian defence line created since Kiev initiated the fighting in Donbas in 2014. In a months-long campaign, Russian forces, primarily Wagner members, have systematically captured settlements around the city and now have Bakhmut surrounded from the north, south and east. CNN also spoke to a Ukrainian soldier that wished to remain anonymous, who described the situation in Bakhmut as much worse than officially reported. We should add another 100% difficulty to the official reports in all directions, especially in the northern direction where the Russians have made the biggest advance, he said. Nevertheless, Ukrainian Deputy Defence Minister Hannah Malia stated that more reinforcements are being sent to the strategically vital city. This was confirmed by the head of the Russian Wagner Private Military Company, Yegevny Prigozhin. According to him, Kiev has sent tens of thousands of its best fighters to Bakhmut. They are putting up fierce resistance. The bloodshed of the battles is increasing every day, Prigozhin said. Meanwhile, Kiev's Western backers reportedly called on Zelensky to cut his losses and withdraw.