Russia may claim Bakhmut’s capture for anniversary of invasion of Ukraine - British intelligence

The British Ministry of Defense reported the information on Twitter.  

British intelligence notes that Russia continues to attack in several directions - Vuhledar, Kreminna and Bakhmut. 

The number of Russian army losses remains high, especially in Bakhmut and Vuhledar. In particular, the "elite" 155th and 40th Marine Brigades of the Russian Federation suffered very heavy losses in Vuhledar and may have lost their combat capability.

British analysts believe that as the anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine approaches, Russian forces are under political pressure. 

"It is likely that Russia will claim that Bakhmut has been captured to align with the anniversary, regardless of the reality on the ground. If Russia's spring offensive fails to achieve anything then tensions within the Russian leadership will likely increase," the British intelligence concluded. 

• On February 20, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that it was important for Ukraine to defend Bakhmut, although not at any cost, but as long as it was reasonable.