Fighting intensifies in Bahkmut as U.S. pledges more military aid to Ukraine

Now to the war in Ukraine. The U.S. today pledged another $400 million in military assistance to Ukraine as it fights off Putin's brutal invasion. The fighting has intensified in the eastern city of Bakhmut, with Russian forces on the verge of their first victory in months. Here's CBS's Imtiaz Tayyip. If controlling these wrecked buildings and charred ruins is a victory for Russia, then it's among the holiest.

For seven long months, the battle of Bakhmut has been a symbol of Ukraine's ability to outwit and outgun Russia's military and mercenary might. But it looks increasingly likely the besieged city is at its last stand, with the final residents in the area now leaving. We wanted to stay, but how can we, she says, it's time for us to go. The Kremlin sees the city as a gateway to capturing the rest of the Donbas region, and some estimates suggest tens of thousands of Russian soldiers have been killed trying to secure it. While Ukraine insists Bakhmut has little strategic value, its military leaders also concede defending the city has resulted in huge losses. Losses felt no more acutely than at field hospitals like this one. Ukrainian first responders do whatever they can as wounded soldiers pour in.

The treatments here may be rudimentary, but they are life-saving. I'm alive. Thank God, this soldier says. But my two comrades, I hope they were able to escape, from what's now being called hell on earth. And that $400 million military aid package can't come soon enough, with President Volodymyr Zelensky today saying what Ukraine needs is more weapons and warplanes. Margaret. A familiar refrain.

Thank you, MTS.

ukraine, war, russia, bahkmut, city