British intelligence explains why Russia focused on storming Soledar

This was reported by the British Ministry of Defense on Twitter. 

British intelligence claims that over the past four days, Russian troops have tactically advanced to the city of Soledar in the Donetsk region and probably control most of the settlement. Soledar is located 10km north of Bakhmut, the capture of which is likely to remain Russia's main immediate operational objective.

By taking Soledar, the Russian forces are trying to surround Bakhmut from the north and disrupt Ukrainian supply lines. Part of the fighting is focused on the entrances to the salt mine tunnels, the total length of which reaches 200 km in the area. The Ukrainian military and Russian soldiers are likely concerned that the tunnels could be used to infiltrate the rear.

"Despite the increased pressure on Bakhmut, Russia is unlikely to envelop the town imminently because Ukrainian forces maintain stable defensive lines in depth and control over supply routes," the British intelligence concluded. 

• On January 10, the General Staff reported that the Ukrainian Armed Forces repelled Russian attacks in the areas of Soledar, Bakhmut, Marinka and 10 other settlements.