Russia most likely to divert resources towards Bakhmut sector – British intel report

“Heavy fighting has continued along the Donbas front line. However, there is a realistic possibility that Russia has reduced troop numbers and is decreasing offensive action around Donetsk city, most likely to divert resources towards the Bakhmut sector,” reads the latest British defence intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine.

In Bakhmut, Russian Ministry of Defense and Wagner Group forces continue to make creeping advances. The front line in the town centre largely follows the main railway line.

Ukraine is generally holding Russia’s envelopment from the south along the line of Korsunskovo Street, the old main road west out of town.

“For both sides, the exact sequencing of any major drawdown of their units around Bakhmut has become a critical question, with Ukraine wanting to free-up an offensive force while Russia likely aspires to regenerate an operational reserve,” reads the report.