What it would mean for Ukraine to lose this city to Russia - CNN

[TexasTowelie]

Ukrainian defenses in and around the eastern city of Bakhmut are being squeezed by a combination of intense artillery, mortar fire, and airstrikes and a substantial commitment of ground forces, both Russian regulars and fighters of the Wagner private military company. CNN military analyst Ret. US Army Major Mike Lyons discusses the situation on the ground.

[Fiendish Thingy]

1. Bahkmut is of minimal military and strategic significance

I think Ukraine has used Bakhmut as a “rope a dope” scenario, getting Russia to send thousands of troops to their death in the Ukrainian meat grinder, at a significantly lower cost in Ukrainian forces.

The MSM wants to portray Bakhmut as the “make of break” turning point in the war.

It’s not, at least not for Ukraine.

[Model35mech]

3. Last years push by Ukraine stalled there as the Russian force consolidate its retreat

The same thing happened across a wide area in Luhansk and Donbass.

To me the significance of Bakhmut is the supposed success of the beserker tactics of the Wagner Group compared to Russian regular forces.

Prigozhin is wanting to be known as the guy who out generaled the Kremlin and brought the entire Ukrainian counteroffensive to a halt. He has political plans for his future.

But of course he didn't stop the broad counterattack and his annihilation of Bakhmut really only involves an area of about 6 x 5 miles.

[Irish_Dem]

2. Damn Putin to hell.