Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Irna Vereshchuk urged on Friday all residents of Bakhmut to evacuate from the city immedietly. "I appeal to the civilians who are still in Bakhmut. If you are adequate, law-abiding and patriotic citizens, you must evacuate immediately," she wrote on Telegram. 
 
The official declared that up to 6,000 people were still present in the city that was taken over by Russian forces, adding that staying could "expose them to danger...second, you are creating additional problems and risks for all those people who are trying to help you (the military, the national police, volunteers). Third, you prevent our defense and security forces from working normally in the city. Because they have to be concerned about your safety all the time. Therefore, I once again urge you to evacuate immediately."

Russian forces gained ground in the northern part of the strategic city of Bakhmut and blocked three out of four routes supplying Ukrainian troops since last Friday. 

Read next: Ukraine should divert attention from Bakhmut: US official

A few days ago, White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby warned that the city of Bakhmut may fall to Wagner forces, but it will not have a strategic bearing on the war as a whole.

Kirby acknowledged the recent advances made by Wagner in Bakhmut, but noted that it's still uncertain whether the city will fall. 

The remarks on the status of Bakhmut came as he responded to a question about the US encouraging Ukraine to redirect their efforts and resources elsewhere, rather than exhausting them on a losing battle. It is worth noting that Bakhmut has been the primary front in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine for the past months. 

Bakhmut, which is situated north of Donetsk, holds strategic significance for the course of the war. The city has long been the transportation route of food and supplies for the Ukrainian troops stationed in the Donbass. 

Read next: US believes Russia will keep advancing in Bakhmut: reports