STORY: Ukrainian forces are said to have been forced to withdraw from some parts of the city of Bakhmut, the grinding nine months-long battle that became the main target of Russia’s winter offensive…
… and the Ukrainians have been hit with particularly intense artillery from Russian forces in recent days.
That’s according to the British military in its daily briefing note on Friday, which said Moscow has, quote, “re-energized its assault.”
This is Chasiv Yar, less then 10 miles away from Bakhmut.
Ukrainian forces are said to have made orderly withdraws and still hold western parts of Bakhmut, but face significant resupply issues.
Near the city, Ukrainian artillery commander named Dmytro is telling a Reuters camera crew that the Russians have massed infantry near the front line. His unit is targeting what he called a “big concentration” of Russia’s “human factor.”
The assessment from the British military says that Russia’s Ministry of Defense has improved its cooperation with the Wagner Group mercenary organization, a major force in the battle.
This footage from a Russian-installed official in the region is said to show the fighters.
Western governments have previously pointed to discord between the two entities as a weakness in Russia’s strategy.
Now, Britain says, Wagner mercenaries are advancing in the center of the city while Russian paratroopers relieve them on its flanks.
Both sides say they are inflicting huge casualties.
