Russians preparing to retreat to Horlivka-Bakhmut highway – Defense Forces

The situation is challenging but controlled near the Donetsk region’s Bakhmut and in the Lyman-Kupiansk sector.

The relevant statement was made by Illia Yevlash, the Head of the Press Service of the Eastern Group of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, in a commentary to Ukrainian Radio, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

According to Yevlash, Ukrainian forces are gradually but steadily advancing from a dozen to several hundred meters deep into the enemy’s lines, re-capturing the temporarily occupied areas. Russian troops are holding defense.

Yevlash mentioned that, on the southern flank, the Ukrainian military advanced in different directions.

“Over the past day, Ukrainian defenders have advanced to the south of Bakhmut, in different frontline sectors, from 100 to 300 meters,” Yevlash added.

In his words, the occupiers’ positions are deteriorating, namely to the south of Bakhmut. Russians are preparing to retreat to the Horlivka-Bakhmut highway, which used to be under fire control of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

“In some areas, the Armed Forces of Ukraine overcame a barrier, which is rather difficult to storm and easy to defend. It is a man-made embankment, which was challenging for storming. If this rubicon is crossed, the new opportunities are opening up,” Yevlash explained.

At the moment, enemy troops are strengthening mining and blasting efforts, sowing mines on roads, crossings, fields, and creating barriers to hold back Ukraine’s advance.