Wagner PMC completes withdrawal from Bakhmut. Russian paratroopers’ role is growing – British intelligence

This is stated in a British intelligence report.

According to the British Ministry of Defence, Russian airborne troops are playing an increasingly important role in Bakhmut. Currently, troops from the 76th and 106th divisions, as well as 2 other separate brigades, are operating in the area.

"The VDV is much degraded from its pre-invasion ‘elite’ status. However, Russian commanders have likely attempted to maintain some of these still relatively capable units as an uncommitted reserve," the report said.

The deployment of paratroopers to maintain the front line in Bakhmut is expected to reduce the overall flexibility of the Russian forces in effectively responding to operational challenges.

What is currently happening in Bakhmut

On May 20, the leader of the Russian Wagner PMC, Yevgeny Prigozhin, released a video with a statement about the alleged complete occupation of the Ukrainian city of Bakhmut by Russians.

On May 25, he announced the beginning of the withdrawal of his units from Bakhmut.

According to Ukraine’s  Deputy Minister of Defense Hanna Maliar, as of the evening of May 31, the outskirts of Bakhmut in the southwestern part of the city remain under the control of the Ukrainian Defense Forces. The Ukrainian Armed Forces also control the entrance to the city.

Maliar reports that Russia's offensive operations in the Bakhmut direction have ceased, but there has been an escalation in the number of artillery attacks.

On the morning of June 1, Prigozhin posted a video in which he stated that most of his fighters were leaving Bakhmut for the rear areas.

On June 2, Prigozhin said that the escape routes from Bakhmut for his fighters were mined by representatives of the Russian Ministry of Defense.