British intelligence: Russia has changed course
Photo: Aris Messinis/AFP
The bloody battles over the Bakhmut “meat grinder” have been raging for months. Despite constant reports that the ruined city is surrounded and about to fall, the Russians have yet to take control of the city.
Now the British write in their latest intelligence report that Russia has changed course after progress has stalled.
– This is probably mainly the result of the extreme exhaustion of Russian strength. Ukraine also suffered heavy losses in its defense, write the British.
Additionally, they believe the Russian situation may have worsened due to growing tension between Russian regular forces and the Wanger mercenary group, both of which have troops in the area.
They believe that Russia may have shifted its operational focus to the town of Avdiivka, south of Bakhmut, and to the Kremina-Svatove region to the north. There, Russia will likely try to establish a stable front line, the intelligence writes.
This suggests they are reverting to a more defensive operation, according to the British, after trying to carry out a full-scale offensive which began in January this year.
Recently, Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin warned that a Ukrainian counteroffensive could be imminent.
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