Thread by @emilkastehelmi

The battle of Bakhmut continues. The Russians have recently been attacking with some success.

Ukraine is facing some difficulties especially on the northern side of the city of Bakhmut, and some of the gains made during the spring and summer have been lost. 1/

During summer 2023, the situation looked promising for a while. On the northern side of Bakhmut, Ukrainians reached Berkhivka and advanced towards Yahidne. On the southern side, Ukrainians reached Klischchiivka. 12 kilometers of Donets-Donbas canal was cleared of the enemy. 2/

However, in August, Russians started pushing back on the northern flank. Ukraine pulled out from Berkhivka and the situation became static. The southern flank also slowed down. Ukraine liberated Klischichiivka and Andriivka during fall, but no further success was achieved. 3/

Now the Russians have begun a series of attacks. They reached the Khromove road (O0506) and try to continue towards Bohdanivka. Fighting is going on in the same fields where Ukraine stopped the Russian encirclement efforts during spring. 4/

The situation is difficult, but recent Russian gains do not alter the big picture significantly. Holding on to the Khromove road isn’t critical anymore, as Ukraine has not had any presence in Bakhmut since May. Trading some kilometers for better positions can be reasonable. 5/

Russia has also attacked in the area of Klishchiivka. According to Russians, they managed to recapture the fortifications next to the village. However we have not yet seen any geolocatable proof of this. Ukrainians are still holding onto the village. 6/

If Russians manage to recapture Klishchiivka, Ukrainian operations east of the village of Andriivka would be threatened. However, no immediate collapse is in sight, and the Russians don't show signs of having the capacity for larger breakthroughs on either side of Bakhmut. 7/

Ukraine is able to continue an organised defence, but it's likely there won’t be any larger offensive operations in the Bakhmut area for some time. Smaller infantry operations are, however, likely to continue, and the recent Russian gains may be challenged in the coming weeks. 8/

Our team @black_birdgroup continues to map the war. Frequent updates on our interactive map!

Some might have noticed I’ve been a bit less active here on X during the past two months – nothing dramatic has happened, just a lot of work and other stuff! 9/9

scribblemaps.com/maps/view/The-…