 Zelensky explains why it is important to win the battle for Bakhmut. Volodymyr Zelensky warned that unless the armed forces of Ukraine win a drawn-out battle in a key eastern city, Russia could begin building international support for a deal that could require Ukraine to make unacceptable compromises. Zelensky said it in an interview with Associated Press. If Vladimir Putin will feel some blood smell that we are weak, he will push, push, push. According to the president, if Bakhmut falls, Putin will sell his victory to the West, his society, China, Iran. The president emphasized that in case of defeat in the battle for Bakhmut, Ukrainian society will feel tired and push for a compromise. But at the moment, he does not feel such pressure. He did say that he worries the war could be impacted by shifting political forces in Washington. The United States really understands that if they stop helping us, we will not win. That's what he said in the interview.