Ukraine is facing a potential escalation of military tensions with Russia as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has vowed to defend the city of Bakhmut ‘as long as we can.’

The vow comes after the European Union announced new sanctions against Russia in response to their military buildup near the Ukraine border.

In a statement, Zelenskyy said that Bakhmut must be defended like a “fortress,” and that Ukraine will fight for it “as long as we can.”

The announcement comes as European Union leaders are set to meet in Kyiv for a summit on the Ukraine-Russia conflict.

The summit is seen as an opportunity for the EU to show their support for Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression.

Ukraine has warned against complacency in the face of the Russian threat, with Zelenskyy saying that Ukraine must remain vigilant and prepared for any possible escalation.

The EU has also promised to provide financial assistance to Ukraine in order to help them strengthen their defense capabilities.

The summit is expected to be a key moment in the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict, with the EU hoping to find a way to deescalate the situation and protect Ukraine’s sovereignty.