Title: The Battle for Bakhmut: A Story of Unrelenting Conflict The city of Bakhmut, located in the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine, has been the scene of the longest-running sustained fight in the country's ongoing conflict with Russia. This battle has been raging for months, and despite several ceasefire attempts, the violence shows no signs of stopping. Here's a closer look at the critical moments in this unrelenting conflict. The initial fighting in Bakhmut began in 2014, when Russian-backed separatists took control of the city. Ukrainian forces launched a counteroffensive, and by early 2015, they had recaptured much of the territory. However, the fighting continued to rage on, with heavy shelling and gunfire becoming the norm. In 2017, a new phase of the conflict began, with both sides launching major offensives in and around Bakhmut. Ukrainian forces scored a major victory in 2018 when they recaptured the city's strategic airport, but the fighting continued to rage on in the countryside. Throughout the course of the conflict, both sides have suffered heavy losses. Civilians have been killed or forced to flee their homes, while soldiers have fought bravely on the front lines. Despite several ceasefire agreements, the violence always seems to flare up again. As we move forward, it's clear that the battle for Bakhmut will continue to be a defining factor in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. Both sides are committed to securing control of this strategic city, and the fight may rage on for years to come. In conclusion, the battle for Bakhmut is a story of unrelenting conflict. We must continue to support the people of Ukraine as they fight for their freedom and their right to self-determination. The world must not forget the sacrifices that have been made in this ongoing conflict, and we must work tirelessly towards a lasting peace. Summary: Bakhmut, in eastern Ukraine, has been the focal point of the Donbas conflict for months. The New York Times examines the key events of the war's longest sustained battle in the region.