The Russian offensive in Ukraine appears to have slowed in pace compared to previous weeks, as reported by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW). There are indications that the conflict between the Russian Defense Ministry and the Wagner Group has reached its climax, with Wagner’s offensive on Bakhmut approaching its culmination. Ukrainian military sources have reported a decrease in the number of attacks in and around Bakhmut, particularly in recent days.
Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of the Wagner Group, claimed to have captured Zalizianske, a village 9 km northwest of Bakhmut. This suggests that Wagner’s forces are carrying out opportunistic attacks further north of Bakhmut, where the places are smaller and easier to take.
Russian forces are still advancing in the western Donetsk region, particularly near Vuhledar, 30 km southwest of the city of Donetsk. However, the British Ministry of Defense claims that Russian attempts to storm the town of Vuhledar have subsided in the past week, following repeated and costly failed attacks over the previous three months.
Given that Russia’s only tactical success in recent times has been in the Bakhmut sector, dominated by the Wagner Group, the Russian Defense Ministry may continue its drive for success at Vuhledar to compete with Wagner’s achievements.
The situation in Ukraine remains tense, and the conflict does not seem to be nearing a resolution anytime soon. The international community must continue to monitor the situation and work towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict.