Ukrainian forces probably withdraw to new defensive positions west of Soledar

The UK Ministry of Defense reported this on Twitter.

UK intelligence suggested that on January 16, Ukrainian troops probably withdrew from Soledar in the Donetsk region, leaving it under Russian control. Ukrainian forces have probably created new defensive lines to the west of the town. 

Analysts note that the attack on Soledar was mainly carried out by the Wagner PMC mercenaries, and the operation itself was auxiliary and aimed at enabling the encirclement of a larger settlement - Bakhmut. One of the two main supply routes for the Ukrainian military in Bakhmut is now under greater pressure.

The images show that since the beginning of January 2023, south and east of Bakhmut continue to be subjected to intense artillery shelling. Ukrainian forces are almost certainly continuing their defense against Russian forces on the approaches to the town.

At the same time, the morning report of the Ukrainian Armed Forces' General Staff says that Soledar was subjected to artillery fire from the Russian Federation. This shows that Ukrainian military personnel remain in the town.