Ukrainian forces 'gain impetus' around Bakhmut with Russia facing 'multiple threats' across frontline
Ukrainian forces have "gained impetus" in assaults around Bakhmut as Russian troops face "multiple threats" across more than 200km of the frontline, according to UK defence officials.
Bakhmut in Donetsk Oblast has seen the bloodiest and longest battles of the conflict so far and, in its latest intelligence briefing, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) said Ukrainian forces have made progress on both the northern and southern flanks around the city.
The MOD said Ukraine troops made headway around Bakhmut in a "multi-brigade operation" as part of its continued counter-offensive.
Troops from the Wagner mercenary group, who have played a key role in Russia's invasion and held a 24-hour rebellion last week, claimed to have captured Bakhmut in late May.
The MOD also questioned the strength of Russia's reserve ground forces to reinforce the "multiple threats" from Ukraine across the frontline.
"There has been little evidence that Russia maintains any significant ground forces operational level reserves which could be used to reinforce against the multiple threats it is now facing in widely separated sectors, from Bakhmut to the eastern bank of the Dnipro River, over 200km away," the MOD update said.
In its intelligence update on Sunday, the MOD said Ukrainian forces in recent days had reset and restarted "undertaking major offensive operations on three main axes in southern and eastern Ukraine".
The MOD reported Ukraine was using its experience from the start of the counter-offensive to "refine tactics for assaulting the deep, well-prepared Russian defences", adding that Ukrainian units were making gradual but "steady tactical" gains in key areas.
The UK continues to support Ukraine with military aid and training, including a new combat medical course.
Join Our Newsletter
