Russia redeploys several battalions to reinforce Bakhmut sector – UK intelligence

In the last four days, Russia has highly likely redeployed up to several battalions to reinforce the Bakhmut sector.

The relevant statement was made by the Ministry of Defence of the United Kingdom on Twitter, referring to the latest Defence Intelligence update, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

According to the UK intelligence, this follows Ukrainian tactical gains on the flanks of the contested Donetsk region’s town through mid-May and publicly aired doubts about the commitment of Wagner Group forces to continue fighting in the sector.

“With Russia likely maintaining relatively few uncommitted combat units in Ukraine, the redeployment represents a notable commitment by the Russian command,” the UK intelligence noted.

Russia’s leadership likely continue to see capturing Bakhmut as the key immediate war aim which would allow them to claim some degree of success in the conflict, the UK intelligence concluded.

A reminder that, on May 19, 2023, over 80 military clashes occurred in the Lyman, Bakhmut, Marinka, Avdiivka and Shakhtarske directions.