According to analysts, the Armed Forces of Ukraine have fortified the area west of Bakhmut in such a way that even if the Ukrainian troops retreat from their positions, this will not lead to a quick capture of the entire settlement by the occupiers.
Ukrainian forces appear to be setting the stage for a controlled retreat from particularly difficult areas in the eastern districts of Bakhmut. This is stated in the report of the Institute for the Study of War dated March 3.
Analysts note that battles have been sharpening for Bakhmut since May last year. According to them, the Armed Forces of Ukraine destroyed two important bridges in the Bakhmut direction: across the Bakhmutovka River in the northeast and on the Khromovo-Bakhmut highway in the west.
The authors of the report believe that the destruction of the bridges may indicate the plans of the Ukrainian military to limit the advance of the invaders in the eastern part of Bakhmut and block their possible retreat routes in the western part of the city.
The publication also mentioned that on February 28, adviser to the President of Ukraine Alexander Rodnyansky said that the Armed Forces of Ukraine could make a strategic retreat from Bakhmut if necessary.
According to Rodnyansky, Ukrainian forces have reinforced their positions west of Bakhmut. Considering this, even if the Armed Forces of Ukraine retreat, the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation will not be able to quickly capture the settlement.
“If the Ukrainian military command deems it necessary to withdraw from Bakhmut, it is likely to conduct a limited and controlled withdrawal from the particularly difficult areas of eastern Bakhmut, judging by Ukrainian statements and reports of actions by the Ukrainian side,” the analysts concluded.
Recall that on March 2, the commander of the tactical aerial reconnaissance group with the call sign “Madyar” said that his units had received combat orders to immediately leave Bakhmut after 110 days of duty.
The head of the Ministry of Reintegration, Irina Vereshchuk, on the air of the all-Ukrainian telethon on March 2, also noted that she supports the forced evacuation of children from Bakhmut, even if their parents or guardians do not give permission for this.
We also wrote that on March 3, the commander of the Eastern Group of Forces, Colonel-General Alexander Syrsky, arrived at the brigades that are fighting in Bakhmut. The press service reported that Syrsky listened to the reports of the commanders and got acquainted with the problematic issues.
