Bakhmut. The Ukrainian army thwarts Russia's plans. "Wagnerians" can't hand over positions

A new phase of the military operation may begin in the Bakhmut area. The Ukrainian army began to thwart Russia's plans in replacing Yevgeny Prgozhin's forces with units of the Russian army. The attacks in the Belgorod region brought losses but also benefits in other areas of operation.

A new report by the Institute for War Studies (ISW) indicates that the pace of Russian offensive operations around Bakhmut is slowing down. This may trigger a new phase of operations during the war in Ukraine. The planned transfer of the position by the Wagner Group to the Russian units in Bakhmut is hindered by effective counterattacks by Ukraine. Analysts suggest that replacing the Wagner Group may be too difficult for Russian forces for this reason.

War in Ukraine. Ukraine's successful counterattacks thwart Russia's plans

According to the report, Yevgeny Prigozhin's forces are still present in Bakhmut, and the pace of Russia's offensive activities is slowing down. This could enable the Ukrainian army to start a new phase of operations around the city if they decide to take such steps. One of the military commanders of the Russian Federation claims that Ukrainian counterattacks in the Orikhovo-Vasylivka region forced units of the private military army “Veterans” to withdraw. The army had moved a kilometer from their positions in the area.

Other Russian military commanders say that the Armed Forces of Ukraine have taken high-altitude positions along the E40 (Bakhmut-Sloviansk) route near Orikhovo-Vasylivka. According to the UNIAN agency, there is evidence that the Ukrainian soldiers were heading towards Klyschievka and crossed the Siwierski Donetsk Canal. Analysts assume that the armed forces intend to surround the settlement and force the Russian troops to retreat. Geolocation photos published on May 24 and 25 indicate that the Russian army may have re-occupied limited positions west of Kliszcziyevka.

Russia panics after attacks in Belgorod region

As reported in the article above, the May 22 attacks in the Belgorod region caused panic in Russia. “The Russian information space reacted with a similar degree of panic, factionalism and inconsistency, as is usually shown when experiencing significant information shocks” the ISW reported at the time.

The Ukrainian side denied speculation that its armed forces were involved in the attack. The Russian Volunteer Corps and the “Freedom of Russia” Legion are to be responsible for the organization. These are Russian forces fighting on the side of Ukraine. The militias suffered losses and either withdrew from these areas or were driven out.