The offensive of Russian forces near Bakhmut is beginning to weaken, although the situation for the defenders of the city remains difficult, say British intelligence.
In recent days, Ukrainian forces launched a localized counterattack west of Bakhmut to relieve enemy pressure on the H-32 highway, which is important for supplies.
Last protection Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine — 22 March 2023.
Learn more about Defense Intelligence’s use of language: https://t.co/MXnbbMKdKA
�� #StandWithUkraine �� pic.twitter.com/21nhXFioD8
— Ministry of Defense (@DefenceHQ) March 22, 2023
Fighting continues around the city center, Ukrainian defenders remain under threat due to the cordon from the north and south. However, there is a real possibility that the Russian offensive against the city is starting to lose its hitherto limited momentum. Partly because some Russian units are being transferred to other sectors of the front.
APU rating
Meanwhile, in the 46th brigade, which holds the defense in Bakhmut, fierce urban battles were reported with varying success for both sides.
The advance of the Russians is still tactical in nature without critical problems for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. In the telegrams of the 46th brigade, the fighters wrote that they were holding key defense nodes and controlling the intersection.
The forest in the Ivanovskoye region became impregnable for the enemy. The invaders on the northern flank of the city’s defense are trying to advance in the direction of the Canal in order to capture the line and the heights in its area. Strong fighting in the area of Orekhovo-Vasilovka and Khromovo, according to the Ukrainian military.
US statement
The United States supports the Ukrainian leadership in the difficult battle for Bakhmut and will continue to provide Kyiv with everything necessary, said John Kirby, strategic communications coordinator at the White House National Security Council.
Asked on CNN whether Kyiv is spending too much time fighting for Bakhmut, Kirby said:
It’s March 21st, and Bakhmut hasn’t been surrendered yet. The Ukrainians are prioritizing this fight, and the Russians have clearly prioritized it. We […] must make sure that President Zelensky has everything he needs, wherever he chooses to fight. It means intelligence. It means support. It means tool. It means opportunities. That’s what we’ll be focusing on.
The coming weeks will be decisive in the war, he said, and the US expects Russian President Vladimir Putin to try another offensive.
We need to make sure that we are doing everything we can to ensure that Ukraine is ready for this, he added.
Source: Racurs
I am David Wyatt, a professional writer and journalist for Buna Times. I specialize in the world section of news coverage, where I bring to light stories and issues that affect us globally. As a graduate of Journalism, I have always had the passion to spread knowledge through writing.