Ukraine presses ahead with counteroffensive operations on southern Bakhmut flank — ISW

Analysts of the American Institute for the Study of War (ISW) shared the information in a report.

Ukrainian forces continued counteroffensive operations on the southern flank of Bakhmut and reportedly forced Russian troops to retreat behind the railroad line east of Klishchiivka.

Ukraine's General Staff noted that Ukrainian troops were continuing their assault south of Bakhmut, and the spokesman for the Eastern Group of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Captain Illya Yevlash, reiterated that Ukrainian positions were approximately three kilometers from the Russian ground line of communication (GLOC) on the T0513 highway. 

According to the General Staff, Ukrainian forces repelled Russian attacks east of Bohdanivka, southeast of Bila Hora and near Klishchiivka.

The Ukrainian serviceman said that Russian troops had concentrated reserves and artillery systems in the Bakhmut direction to stop Ukrainian advances in the area.

In particular, he noted that Russian troops have more manpower and artillery in the Bakhmut direction than Ukrainian troops, and that Russian counterattacks are difficult to repel. This report of a relatively high concentration of Russian manpower and equipment in the Bakhmut area indicates that Ukrainian counteroffensive operations continue to draw down and consolidate a significant contingent of Russian forces in the Bakhmut area, which is their stated goal.

• Earlier, analysts at the US Institute for the Study of War (ISW) stated in a report that scattered contingents of Wagner PMCs are likely to return to fighting in the ranks of the Russian occupying army in Ukraine. However, the mercenaries will not be able to help the Russians significantly turn the tide at the front in their favor.