Robert Brophy, commander of Ukraine’s reconnaissance unit “The Madiar birds,” said in a video posted on his Telegram channel that the Bakhmut-based unit in eastern Ukraine, had received orders to leave the city.

As Russian troops advance. Orders issued to Ukrainian reconnaissance unit to leave Bakhmut Fore

“In the middle of the night, The Madiar birds unit received a combat order to immediately leave Bakhmut for a new place of combat operations,” Profdie added in a video published Friday.

Provdie explained that he did not know why the unit was moved. “We’re following it,” he added.

Russian troops have been able to advance towards Bakhmut over the past few days, after months of intense shelling and fighting around the stricken city.

Ukrainian officials had said they would continue to defend the city, but not at any cost, noting that they could withdraw if necessary.