Russians unlikely to advance around Bakhmut by Feb 24 - ISW

The Washington-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW) said this its assessment as of February 16, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

“Russian forces do not appear to be quickening their rate of advance around Bakhmut and are unlikely to meet this reported February 24 goal,” ISW said.

It is noted that Russia may launch another series of missile strikes on civilian targets throughout Ukraine to mark the symbolic anniversary as “actual military success continues to evade the Russian military.”

ISW added that Russian forces are reportedly increasing their use of airpower in Ukraine but “are unlikely to dedicate significant amounts of airpower to combat operations over Ukrainian-controlled territory.”

As reported by Ukrinform, 36 military clashes were recorded in the Bakhmut direction on February 16. Nearly 120 invaders were eliminated.