Despite Ukrainian successes in the east and south, Moscow is pressing ahead with its attacks in the Donetsk region. Kremlin units are now standing in front of the important transport hub of Bakhmut. For British experts, the advance is proof of how inflexible Russia's military planners are.
Despite the Ukrainian counter-offensives in the east and south of the country, Russia is sticking to its attack in Donbass. The offensive operations near the city of Bakhmut are a high priority for Russia, the British Ministry of Defense said in London. The continuation of the "grueling" Donbass offensive despite the considerable Ukrainian pressure on the flanks shows how much pressure Russia is under to achieve operational success, it said, citing intelligence findings. At the same time, the actions in eastern Ukraine underline how inflexible the Russian leadership is.
"Over the past week, Russian forces have advanced up to two kilometers on the city along two axes and have come closer to entering Bakhmut, which has been badly damaged by shelling," it said. The Russian troops would also include units of the mercenary group "Wagner" and convicts recently released from Russian prisons.
Russian forces have been trying to capture Bakhmut for months. In the past week, Kremlin troops have advanced up to two kilometers to the city. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said over the weekend that Ukrainian troops were involved in very heavy fighting near the city. Bakhmut is considered an important pillar in the defensive bulwark around the Kyiv-controlled Greater Sloviansk-Kramatorsk area in the Donetsk region. The city serves as an improvised command center for the Ukrainian army. From Bakhmut roads lead to all sections of the front.
The British Ministry of Defense has published daily information on the course of the war since the beginning of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine at the end of February, citing intelligence information. In doing so, the British government wants to both counter the Russian portrayal and keep allies in line. Moscow accuses London of a targeted disinformation campaign.
