Ukraine may prepare withdrawal of troops from some areas of Bakhmut – ISW

Experts from the US Institute for the Study of War (ISW) write about this in their daily report.

Russian troops have been trying to capture Bakhmut, a city with a pre-war population of about 70,000, since about May 2022 and have suffered huge losses.

Footage released on March 3 confirms that Ukrainian forces have destroyed two important bridges in the Bakhmut area – one over the Bakhmutivka River in the northeastern part of the city and one on the way to the village of Khromove, west of Bakhmut, ISW reports.

According to the analysts, the preemptive destruction of bridges is likely an indicator that Ukrainian troops may seek to inhibit Russian movement in eastern Bakhmut and limit potential westward Russian egress routes out of Bakhmut. 

Ukrainian Presidential Advisor Oleksandr Rodnyanskyi previously stated on February 28 that Ukrainian forces could choose to pull back from positions in Bakhmut as needed. Rodnyanskyi also noted that Ukraine has fortified the area west of Bakhmut such that even if Ukrainian troops begin to withdraw, Russian forces would not necessarily be able to rapidly take the entire city.

If the Ukrainian military command deems it necessary to withdraw from Bakhmut it will likely conduct a limited and controlled withdrawal from particularly difficult sectors of eastern Bakhmut judging from Ukrainian statements, experts say.

• National Security and Defense Council Secretary Danilov said that the situation in Bakhmut is extremely difficult, but under control.

• Military experts are convinced that Bakhmut has fulfilled its tasks and the Ukrainian army can withdraw.