Tense Situation in Bakhmout as Russians Tighten their Grip
The situation in Bakhmout is described as “extremely tense” by the Ukrainian army. The Russians have managed to gain a lot of ground in the eastern region of the country and are now trying to encircle the city. Three of the four main roads leading to the city are now under Russian control and the fourth is under immense pressure from the Russians advancing from the south.
The Ukrainian army believes that it is the forces of the paramilitary group Wagner that are leading the offensive. The Russian Ministry of Defense has claimed responsibility for the destruction of an arms depot near Bakhmout and the interception of several drones and missiles Himars launched by the Ukrainians. The think tank Institute for the Study of War has stated that Russia is using new tactics to form smaller and more mobile groups.
The offensive on Bakhmout has been going on for six months and in recent weeks Wagner’s boss, Yevgeny Prigojine, announced the capture of several localities in the region, such as solder in January, Krasna Gora in February and Laguidné, a small village adjoining the town on the north-west flank. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has admitted that the situation around Bakhmout is becoming increasingly complicated for Ukrainian soldiers.
The noose is constantly tightening around Bakhmout and the future of the city is uncertain. The Ukrainian army is doing its best to defend the city, but it is unclear how long they will be able to hold out against the Russian forces.
