According to analysts, there is no evidence that the “Wagnerites” are conducting an offensive from the east to the city center after the alleged occupation of the eastern territory from the Bakhmutka River. And it is not yet clear whether the operational advantage of the RF Armed Forces will continue during future attempts to capture the city.
Apparently, the paramilitary formation of PMC “Wagner” of the Russian businessman Yevgeny Prigozhin took a “tactical pause” in a long months-long offensive against Bakhmut. This was reported by the American research center “Institute for the Study of War” in a summary for March 9.
The Wagner PMC offensive in the eastern part of Bakhmut “seems to be on a temporary tactical pause” and it remains unclear whether the Wagner mercenaries will retain their operational advantage during future attempts to capture the city.
Now mercenaries from PMC “Wagner” play a less prominent role, most likely, they are trying to replace them with regular Russian troops.
Prigozhin repeatedly criticized the Russian Ministry of Defense as the intensity of the clashes in Bakhmut increased. He posted several videos frantically asking for ammunition for his fighters and insisting that the government was maliciously holding the shells.
On March 8, Prigozhin announced that Wagner had captured the entire eastern part of Bakhmut.
Map of battles in Bakhmut
According to ISW, there is nothing to indicate that the “Wagnerites” are conducting an offensive from the east to the central part of the city after the alleged occupation of the eastern territory from the Bakhmutka River.
“For nine months, Wagner militants have been conducting intense frontal attacks in the eastern part of Bakhmut, and, most likely, they are not ready now to cross the river for an offensive in the city center,” military researchers note.
Recall that in the summary for March 9, ISW analysts explained why Putin used the scarce “Daggers”. The Russian Defense Ministry explained the massive missile strike as “retribution for the Ukrainian DRG in the Bryansk region.”
Earlier, Focus reported that on March 8, ISW reported the possible capture of at least half of Bakhmut. The alleged local success of the Russian Armed Forces in the front-line city is only symbolic for the Kremlin, analysts say.
