Russia has made progress and is already at the center of Bakhmut, according to London

Russian troops have been gaining ground in recent days towards central Bakhmut and, according to the British Ministry of Defence, have taken control of the western bank of the Bakhmut River, which divides the city into two north-south halves. With this entrenched position, the Russian soldiers, supported by mercenaries from the Wagner group, “seriously” threaten one of the main supply routes for the Ukrainian defenders.

The latest intelligence report released by the UK Ministry of Defense says that after a stalemate in late March, Russian fighters “regained the initiative in recent days in the Battle of Bakhmut”. Thus, they made progress and “in all probability penetrated the center of the city and took control of the western bank of the Bakhmuta River”. During their months of offensive through the city, the Russians advanced from the east, north and south, trying to encircle the Ukrainian defenders, but at no time did they take control of the part. west of the city, where some roads along which the Ukrainian troops are resupplied and evacuate their wounded. Although on occasion the Russians have claimed to have succeeded in taking the city, this has always been denied.

However, London claims that after the latest advances, and with the position entrenched on the west bank of the Bakhmuta, “the main supply route 0506 to the west is seriously threatened”, since Russian troops can now use the artillery more accurately. The 0506 is a small road that goes from the city to the northwest and connects it to the city of Chasiv Yar. Another road that goes west is highway 0513.

London adds that “there is a real possibility that the commanders of the Wagner Group and the Russian Ministry of Defense have put aside their differences and improved their cooperation”, which would have led to the recent progress.

Tens of thousands of fighters on both sides were killed or wounded in the months-long battle for the city.