Ukrainian defenders have taken an important step towards encircling the city of Bakhmut in the Donetsk region following successes on the southern flank of the city. Military and political analyst Kyrylo Sazonov reported this.
As he noted to the 24th channel, in order to semi-encircle the city, Ukrainian forces still need to gain control of two highways.
The overall situation on the Bakhmut direction is quite challenging. Russian occupiers are attempting to advance on the northern flank to reach Chasiv Yar. This city is located at a high elevation, and capturing it would improve the position of the Bakhmut group of occupiers.
However, Ukrainian forces are repelling enemy attacks, preventing them from securing themselves against encirclement. Additionally, in the future, Ukrainian Defense Forces may advance towards Berkhovka, which would help semi-encircle Bakhmut.
Additionally, for the enemy, the gradual advancement of Ukrainian forces in the Klishevka and Andreyevka areas is very painful because the Ukrainian Armed Forces have established fire control over the highway to Horlivka.
"The Russians are trying to halt the Ukrainian counteroffensive in Bakhmut, but they are failing. Ukraine doesn't need to fully encircle the city – it will be sufficient to cut off the highway to Horlivka and at least bring the highway to Lysychansk under fire control," Sazonov added.
This will hinder the supply of Russian occupation forces around the city.
