UK Defence Intelligence reports on Ukrainian Armed Forces' advance in Bakhmut and Russian troops' retreat
Ukrainian forces have regained at least a kilometre of the territory of the city of Bakhmut's south, with Russian troops retreating.
Source: UK Defence Intelligence, as reported by European Pravda
Quote: "Over the last four days, elements of Russia’s 72nd Separate Motor Rifle Brigade (72 SMRB) likely withdrew in bad order from their positions on the southern flank of the Bakhmut operation," the UK MoD noted.
Details: This territory reportedly has a particular tactical significance, as it was a Russian bridgehead on the western side of the Donetsk-Donbas Canal, which marks the contact line in some parts of this front.
The 72nd Separate Motor Rifle Brigade is part of Russia's 3rd Army Corps, a formation created in the autumn of 2023 that has been plagued by accusations of low morale and poor combat effectiveness.
"Its deployment to such a demanding and operationally important sector highlights Russia’s severe shortage of credible combat units," the UK Defence Intelligence noted.
Background:
- On 12 May, Colonel Serhii Cherevatyi, spokesperson for the East Grouping of Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, said there were signs of Russian forces’ exhaustion on the Bakhmut front.
- Earlier, the UK MoD reported that Russia sees cruise missiles like the Kalibr as a key potential to disrupt the expected counteroffensive of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, but their reserves are likely limited.
Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron!
