In a significant development, Russian forces have reportedly withdrawn from their positions on the southern flank of Bakhmut operations, resulting in the Ukrainian military regaining at least a kilometer of territory. The announcement was made today by Britain's defense ministry, which highlighted the disorderly nature of the Russian withdrawal over the past four days.
According to a daily intelligence bulletin issued by the British defense ministry, the area from which Russian forces withdrew holds tactical significance as it served as a bridgehead on the western side of the Donets-Donbas Canal. This canal marks the front line in certain parts of the sector, and the Ukrainian military's regaining of this territory is considered a notable development.
Simultaneously, Russia's defense ministry spokesperson, Igor Konashenkov, alleged that Ukraine had launched a large-scale assault to the north of Bakhmut. Konashenkov claimed that the Ukrainian offensive involved more than 1,000 troops and up to 40 tanks, which, if confirmed, would mark the most significant Ukrainian offensive in recent times.