Russian troop configuration changes in Bakhmut sector, but quality remains same - Major Kudriashov

Deputy commander of the 3rd Detached Assault Brigade Major Rodion Kudriashov said this on Espreso TV.

"I can speak for a certain configuration. If earlier the configuration was in the form of  the Wagner Group and the secondary role of Russian regulars, now it is Russian regulars and secondary mercenaries from newly formed PMCs."

Kudriashov added that the quality of Russia's military personnel, who are on the frontline in the reserve, has not changed.

"The use of force is also roughly the same: they use 'meaty assaults,' they do not spare replenishing infantry on the frontline, so in general, the configuration has changed, but the quality of troops has not," the major emphasized.

• On July 17, the General Staff noted that since the beginning of the Ukrainian Armed Forces' counteroffensive in the Bakhmut direction, the military had liberated an area of more than 30 km². In the Melitopol and Berdiansk directions, almost 180 km² of Ukrainian land remains de-occupied.