Bakhmut Battle: The tactical situation for the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation has become much worse - ISW

Analysts noted that the release of Andreevka opens opportunities for breakthrough on the southern flank of Bakhmut and poses threats to group Russian troops in the city. The Ukrainian military, having liberated Andreevka, continued the offensive actions near Bakhmut. For the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, the tactical situation south of the city has deteriorated. Analysts from the American Institute for War Research (ISW) have stated this.

The new report of September 15 states that the units of the 72nd Brigade of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation suffered significant losses during localized Ukrainian counterattack in Bakhmut district in May 2023. It is assumed that after that the brigade was very degraded. Now, as reported, 3 airborne assault brigade of the Armed Forces was able to release Andreevka. This opens up the breakthrough on the southern flank of Bakhmut. Fighting is still ongoing in the area.

According to analysts, the Russian military also acknowledged that the Armed Forces were able to liberate Andreevka, and therefore the tactical situation south of Bakhmut had deteriorated for them. The Russians are concerned that the Ukrainian forces can threaten the grouping of their troops in Bakhmut. Recall that the British analyst Michael Clark told why Andreevka is strategically important.