The Wagner group and the Russian army ran like “rats into a trap” in Bakhmut
BAKHMUT badly bled Wagner and the Russian army dry.
Fighting blood-stained building after blood-stained building claimed thousands of lives on both sides.
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The worst casualties were in Russia.
It’s not so important who controls the city, but rather how much it will cost to conquer and how much it will cost to hold.
As Wagner advanced to the western edge, Ukraine launched a lightning-fast counterattack in the fields to the north and south.
It is now asserting itself on Bakhmut’s flanks.
Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin says he wants his men out by Friday.
Any unfortunate Russian reserves sent to take over the Wagner positions will come under artillery fire from three sides – and could soon be cut off.
Russian soldiers deployed to Bakhmut will take up resources elsewhere on the front line — and could open a rift for another offensive.
Bakhmut has become a symbol of heroic resistance in Ukraine.
Its legend will survive the ebb and flow of this month’s battle – just as bombarded Mariupol remains a source of pride in the way it was defended long after its ruins have been captured.
Bakhmut was due to fall in August, then at Christmas, then in February — and then in time for Putin’s parade in Red Square this month.
Russia’s only tactics are artillery and cannon fodder attacks on the infantry.
Ukrainian General Syrskyi said Wagner ran like “rats into a mousetrap”.
It is possible that the latch is not yet fully deployed.
