Russia is unlikely to achieve significant breakthrough near Bakhmut in coming weeks - British intelligence

The British Ministry of Defense reported this on Twitter.

As noted, in mid-December, the Russian military and Wagner's forces took part in their infantry attacks around the Bakhmut city, Donetsk region. However, many of these operations were poorly supported.

UK intelligence states, Ukraine has deployed significant reinforcements to defend the sector over the past ten days and the frequency of Russian attacks has decreased from its peak in mid-December. Both sides have suffered heavy casualties.

"Russian offensive operations in the area are now likely being conducted at only platoon or section level. It is unlikely Russia will achieve a significant breakthrough near Bakhmut in the coming weeks," the statement said.

• On January 2, Ukrainian border guards took two battles on the outskirts of Bakhmut and in the city itself. A group of about three dozen Russian forces tried to storm the Ukrainian stronghold. The assault was repelled. Preliminary data states, 7 Russian soldiers were killed and 9 wounded. Ukrainian border guards suffered no losses.

• On January 3, the General Staff emphasized that the Russian forces focus their efforts on conducting offensive actions in the Bakhmut direction trying to take full control of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions. Also yesterday in this direction the Russian army fired from tanks, mortars and missile artillery near the settlements of Spirne, Berestove, Bilohorivka, Vesele, Yakovlivka, Soledar, Bakhmut and others.