Ukraine vows to hold on to Bakhmut despite Russian onslaught

A Ukrainian soldier carries a portable anti-aircraft missile system in Bakhmut, Donetsk region, Ukraine (Roman Chop/AP)

Ukrainian troops have defended positions in Bakhmut in eastern Ukraine amid a relentless push by Russian forces to capture a city that has been turned into a wasteland by seven months of fighting.

Both sides claimed successes in what has become the longest-running battle since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine more than a year ago.