Ukraine has virtually seized initiative in fighting around Bakhmut

The slowdown in Russian offensive operations near Bakhmut is likely to give Ukrainian forces in the area the initiative to launch a new phase of operations

Analysts at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) shared their regular report.

According to the report, Russian military commanders claim that Ukrainian forces have conducted successful counterattacks in the area of Orikhovo-Vasylivka (11 km northwest of Bakhmut) and Klishchiivka (7 km southwest of Bakhmut).

One of the Russian military commanders claims that Ukrainian counterattacks in the area of Orikhovo-Vasylivka forced Wegner PMC units to retreat up to a kilometer from the positions they previously held in the area.

The military commanders also claim that Ukrainian forces have seized high ground along the E40 (Bakhmut-Slovyansk) highway near Orikhovo-Vasylivka and that fighting is ongoing in the area.

In addition, they claim that Ukrainian troops have advanced toward Klishchiivka and crossed the Siverskyi Donets Canal, probably intending to surround the settlement and force Russian troops to retreat eastward.

At the same time, the report notes, geolocation footage released on May 24 and 25 indicates that Russian forces may have regained limited positions west of Klishchiivka.

According to ISW's preliminary assessment, Russian forces may have difficulty replacing Wagner PMC forces in Bakhmut, in part due to successful limited and localized Ukrainian counterattacks.

"The decreased tempo of Russian offensive operations in the Bakhmut area and the reported ongoing relief in place operation are likely further providing Ukrainian forces in the area the initiative to launch a new phase of operations around the city if they so choose," the analysts say.

• Military experts say that the situation in Bakhmut is extremely difficult for Russians.