 Ukrainian troops near the pulverized eastern city of Bakhmut on May 3 said they were repelling Russian attacks. Soldiers dug into a trench complex, manned a heavy gun and fired repeatedly at Russian positions. Brigade commander Oleksandr told Reuters, they storm our positions almost daily, but we repelled the attacks. There are two area here where the fighting is intense. Otherwise, it is more or less fine. Russian military vowed on May 2 not to give up the city as it prepares to launch a long-promised spring counter-offensive against Russian forces. The battle has symbolic importance for both sides, with Ukraine still holding on to some parts of the city after months of fierce fighting against regular Russian troops and the Wagner mercenary force. Russia sees Bakhmut, once home to 70,000 people, as a stepping stone to attacking other Ukrainian cities.