Russia re-energises its assault on Bakhmut as co-operation with Wagner Group improves, UK says
Russia has re-energised its assault on the Donetsk Oblast town of Bakhmut, according to the Ministry of Defence (MOD).
The latest Defence Intelligence update from the MOD said that Russian forces and the Wagner Group had "improved co-operation", with Wagner assault groups advancing through the town centre while Russian airborne forces relieve some Wagner units securing the northern and southern flanks.
The MOD added: "The Ukrainian defence still holds the western districts of the town but has been subjected to particularly intense Russian artillery fire over the previous 48 hours".
"Ukrainian forces face significant resupply issues but have made orderly withdrawals from the positions they have been forced to concede."
Bakhmut, which had a population of around 70,000 people before the war, has continued to be one of the main targets of Russia's winter offensive.
But, despite intense infantry ground combat, few gains have been reported.
Wagner Group
The Wagner Group is a mercenary group with close ties to Russia's military.
It has taken the lead on the Russian side in the months-long battle, but the group's leader has reportedly complained of poor support for his forces from the regular military.
The group has not just been seen fighting in Ukraine - its members have appeared in Syria and in a number of African countries.
In March, it was reported that thousands of Russian convicts who had fought for the Wagner Group were set to be released and pardoned.
The MOD said that Wagner prisoner recruitment peaked in autumn 2022, with their sentences being commuted after six months of service in Ukraine.
It added: "Although approximately half of the prisoners recruited have likely been killed or wounded, evidence from Russia suggests the group is following through on its promise to free survivors."
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