Russian Forces in Bakhmut: Analysis and Updates from the Field

This is how Russia acted after the tactical success of the Ukrainian forces in the flanks of the city of Donetsk region until mid-May and the doubts expressed by the private mercenary gang “Vagner” about the ability to continue combat operations in this sector.

At the same time, Russia may still have some non-combat units in Ukraine, so such a change in deployment shows the considerable determination of the Russian command in Bakhmut, according to the report of the British Ministry of Defence.

“The Russian leadership presumably still views the capture of Bakhmut as an important immediate war objective that would allow it to assert some level of success in the conflict,” the report said.

On the other hand, analysts of the US Institute of War Studies (ISW) have expressed their belief that Russia has drawn elite units into Bakhmut, but the Russian flanks are still considered weak. ISW analysts concluded that the Ukrainian armed forces, with their counterattacks, may have averted the threat of Russia encircling Ukrainian forces in Bakhmut and forced Russian troops to devote limited military resources to defending against limited and localized offensive efforts. This could correspond to the plans of the Ukrainian command.

Deputy Minister of Defense of Ukraine Hanna Maliara has confirmed that Ukrainian soldiers are continuing their advance in Bakhmut. At the same time, she admitted that the liberation of the territories is not easy, because the occupiers are actively trying to regain their lost positions.