British intelligence reported on the situation in Bakhmut and Soledar
Ukrainian defenders, most likely, left Soledar of the Donetsk region, having created new defensive lines to the west of the city.
This is reported by the Ministry of Defense of Great Britain.
– By the end of January 16, Ukrainian troops probably withdrew from the city of Soledar in Donbas, leaving it under the control of the Russian military and Wagner’s group. Ukrainian forces have probably created new defensive lines in the west, – the report says.
It is noted that the Russian offensive on Soledar was mainly carried out by the mercenaries of Wagner’s PMC and is a subsidiary operation to encircle Bakhmut. One of Ukraine’s two main supply routes to Bakhmut is now under increasing pressure from the occupiers.
The photos published by the department show that since the beginning of January 2023, the south and east of Bakhmut, Donetsk region, continue to be subject to intense artillery shelling.
– Ukrainian forces almost certainly continue to defend themselves against Russian forces on the outskirts of the city, – the British note.
(3/3) Imagery shows that since the start of January 2023, the south and east of Bakhmut has continued to be subjected to intense artillery bombardment. Ukrainian forces almost certainly continue to defend against Russian forces on the outskirts of the city. pic.twitter.com/f2qEt5qDeX
— Ministry of Defence ???????? (@DefenceHQ) January 18, 2023
Earlier, the spokesman of the Eastern Group of Forces of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Serhiy Cherevaty, reported that fighting continues near Soledar in the Donetsk region, and as of January 17, Ukrainian units control the city.
