The ruthless battle for the eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut is increasingly shifting to the center, both sides unanimously report. Months of fighting for the city resulted in heavy casualties, both for the defenders and the attackers. The head of the Russian mercenary group Wagner also spoke of a “very difficult situation”.
Assault units of Wagner’s mercenary force were advancing “from different directions” towards the center and trying to “break through the defensive position of our troops,” Ukrainian ground forces commander Oleksandr Syrskyj said Monday. Meanwhile, Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin said in online media: “The closer we get to the city center, the fiercer the fighting and the more artillery there is.” Prigozhin admitted that the Ukrainians were fighting “for every yard”. “The situation is difficult, very difficult,” he wrote. The Ukrainian army throws “endless reserves” into battle.
Ukraine wants to buy time by fighting for Bakhmut
The mercenaries of the Wagner group play a central role in the battle for Bachmut. Ukrainian troops control the west of the city, while Russian mercenaries control most of the east. According to British intelligence, the front line is formed by the Bakhmutka River, which flows through the city. Recently, the Ukrainian army said that the bitter battle for Bakhmut helped buy time to prepare a counter-offensive against the Russian army.
Experts question the sense of heavy fighting over Bakhmut
Bachmut has been hotly contested since last summer. Some experts question the usefulness of further fighting for the city in the Donetsk region – observers question Bakhmut’s strategic importance. However, the city has now acquired a high symbolic importance for both sides given the fighting that has been going on for months with heavy losses.
No more recruiting from prisons
According to British estimates, the Wagner mercenary group could be in trouble for the lack of new prisoners as recruits in the war in Ukraine. The defense ministry in London pointed out on Monday that Moscow had denied Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin the ability to recruit mercenaries in prisons. Half of the prisoners used fell victim to the heavy fighting. A nationwide recruitment campaign will not make up for the losses. “If the ban goes through, Prigozhin will likely be forced to reduce the scope or intensity of Wagner’s operations in Ukraine.”
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
