Russian troops want to capture Bakhmut in the Donetsk region, and then proceed to the offensive on Kramatorsk and Slovyansk. This was reported by the intelligence of the Ministry of Defense of Great Britain.
"Russia probably views the capture of Bakhmut as preparation for an offensive on Kramatorsk and Slovyansk, which are the largest settlements in the Donetsk region under the control of Ukraine," the report says.
As noted, over the past three days, Russian troops have made a tactical advance to the center of Bakhmut. Units of the 2nd Army Corps, the pro-Russian militia of the Luhansk region, probably advanced to the villages of Dosvidne and Ivangrad south of the city.
According to British intelligence, since the beginning of July, Russia has captured only a few settlements. However, forces led by the private military company "Wagner" have achieved some local successes in Donbas and are likely to continue to take an active part in hostilities in Bakhmut.
"Russia continues to conduct offensive operations in the central part of Donbas and is moving forward very slowly. But its plans are undermining Ukraine's pressure on the northern and southern flanks, as well as the lack of ammunition and manpower," the intelligence agency added.
