Russian forces may have scored rare success in battle near Bakhmut

Assault on town of #Soledar could deliver Moscow its first military victory since last summer

Forces from Russia’s Wagner contract militia stepped up their attacks on Soledar in eastern Ukraine and may have taken control of most of the town in an assault that could deliver Moscow its first military success since last summer.

Britain’s Ministry of Defence said on Tuesday that Russian forces were “likely in control” of Soledar, whose capture would make it harder for Ukraine to hold nearby #Bakhmut, a city that has gained symbolic importance for both sides and become the centre of fierce frontline fighting.

Russian attacks on Soledar were “likely an effort to envelop Bakhmut from the north, and to disrupt Ukrainian lines of communication,” the UK’s MoD said. However, “Russia is unlikely to envelop the town [of Bakhmut] imminently because Ukrainian forces maintain stable defensive lines in depth and control over supply routes,” it added.

#Politics #Ukraine #Russia #UkraineWar

https://www.ft.com/content/fe6212f5-bb66-4bf5-a64d-f4001f3ab927