Ukraine’s Intelligence explains why Russia is trying to capture Bakhmut despite significant losses

He shared the information in an interview with RBC-Ukraine.

"This is the only place where they have some tactical success despite huge losses. And against the background of the lack of success elsewhere, they face the problem that even their "deceived" society needs to show something, some kind of victory. This is the only place where they can do something," he said.

Budanov also added that the fact that the Wagner PMC founder, Prigozhin, once said that he would take Bakhmut is also a factor.

When asked about the situation in Vuhledar, he said that it is "a very illustrative story" and there is no great threat of seizing the city.

"It is indicative in all aspects - from who led the offensive there to what they came to," he said.

• On April 24, the head of the Main Intelligence Directorate, Kyrylo Budanov, said that if the temporarily occupied Crimean peninsula is liberated before Donbas, the war will continue.