Ukrainian fighter defiantly sends blast behind Russian lines

A Ukrainian fighter has a blast – as a howitzer sends another shell pounding into Russian lines. Artillery from the country’s 53rd Mechanized Brigade is bombarding Vladimir Putin’s military around the city of Bakhmut in Donetsk Oblast. GettyA Ukrainian fighter shows his strength after firing shells behind Russian lines[/caption] GettyArtillery from the country’s 53rd Mechanized Brigade is bombarding Russian forces[/caption] GettyThe battle is taking place around the city of Bakhmut in Donetsk Oblast[/caption] The Moscow despot separately wants to prise it from Ukrainian hands in order to complete his goal of capturing the entire Donbas region bordering Russia. Experts reckon the battle heating up around Bakhmut demonstrates Putin’s desire for visible gains following weeks of setbacks. Taking Bakhmut would rupture Ukraine’s supply lines and open a route for Russian forces to press forward. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a nightly address Russia’s prolonged drive for the stronghold was “craziness”. READ MORE ON UKRAINE MAD VLAD Putin says Royal Navy blew up gas pipeline & guided drone strike on his fleet base DIRTY WAR Mad Vlad would sacrifice 20 MILLION Russians to win in Ukraine, warns ex-insider It comes amid reports one of Vladimir Putin’s top generals has been sacked after he was accused of “surrendering” the strategic city of Lyman. There is speculation Putin may be purging his inner circle, as well as key military personnel, over Russia’s disastrous campaign in Ukraine. Russia is using “mobilised reservists” in its battle on the Dnipro River due to “extremely low” manpower, British intelligence suggested. Putin is reportedly sending these “poorly trained” soldiers to their deaths, as he desperately attempts to hold onto land in the region. Most read in The Sun HALLOWEEN TRAGEDY At least 146 Halloween revellers killed in horror stampede in Seoul BITTER PILL Inside desperate town where fed-up locals claim streets are 'overrun by pimps' 'JUST WASN'T WORKING' Ex-Man Utd player forced to close bar in Spain due to soaring costs YUMMY MUMMY Helen Flanagan flashes abs in a crop top in Halloween video with her kids GLOVES ARE OFF De Gea ‘sacked Mendes after Utd contract offer demands were perfectly met’ WALK FREE Dad who caught pal raping daughter and made him kill himself FREED after 6 months GettyExperts reckon the battle heating up around Bakhmut shows Putin is getting desperate[/caption] GettyUkraine needs to keep the city of Bakhmut to stop further Russian advances[/caption] GettyPutin is attempting to take control of the entire Donbas region surrounding Russia[/caption]