Russia considers capture of Bakhmut as key near-term goal in war – British intelligence

The British Ministry of Defense reported the information on Twitter. 

British intelligence suggests that over the past 4 days, Russia has redeployed up to several battalions to reinforce the Bakhmut area.

This happened after Ukraine's tactical gains on the flanks of Bakhmut in mid-May and public doubts about the readiness of Wagner PMC mercenaries to continue fighting in this direction.

"With Russia likely maintaining relatively few uncommitted combat units in Ukraine, the redeployment represents a notable commitment by the Russian command. Russia’s leadership likely continue to see capturing Bakhmut as the key immediate war aim which would allow them to claim some degree of success in the conflict," British intelligence believes. 

• On May 19, the Ukrainian Defense Ministry said that Russia had increased the number of troops in the Bakhmut area by several thousand people and was trying to use its advantage in heavy artillery.