A new phase of the operation begins - ISW

In the Bakhmut direction, there is a decrease in the pace of Russian offensive operations. It is likely that the Defense Forces will start a new phase of operations and make it difficult for the planned transfer of Wagner positions to Russian units in Bakhmut. Ukrainian soldiers can start a new phase of operations in this area.

This is stated in the report of the Institute for the Study of War (ISW). It is noted that the Ukrainian forces carried out successful counterattacks in the area of Orekhovo-Vasilyevka (11 km northwest of Bakhmut) and Klescheevka (7 km southwest of Bakhmut).

One of the military correspondents of the Russian Federation claims that Ukrainian counterattacks in the Orekhovo-Vasilyevka region forced Russian units to retreat a kilometer from their positions in the area.

In addition, other Russian military correspondents claim that the Armed Forces of Ukraine have captured high-altitude positions along the E40 highway (Bakhmut - Slavyansk) near Orekhovo-Vasilyevka.

There is evidence that Ukrainian soldiers advanced in the direction of Kleshchievka and crossed the Seversky Donets Canal. Analysts suggest that the Armed Forces of Ukraine intend to surround this settlement and force the Russian troops to retreat. However, geolocation footage released on May 24 and 25 indicates that Russian forces have likely re-established limited positions west of Kleshcheyevka.

Analysts suggest that it may be difficult for Russian troops to replace the Wagner at Bakhmut, in part due to successful limited and localized Ukrainian counterattacks.

The slowdown in Russian offensive operations in the Bakhmut area and the announcement of a relief operation on the ground is likely to further give Ukrainian forces in the area the initiative to launch a new phase of operations around the city if they so desire.

On May 20, the leader of the Wagner PMC, Yevgeny Prigozhin, said that his mercenaries had “captured” Bakhmut and announced that from May 25, his mercenaries would allegedly begin to leave the city.

On that day, Prigozhin's press service published a video showing the process of allegedly starting the withdrawal of the "Wagnerites". On the footage, he poses next to people in military uniform and declares: "We are leaving in the rear area ... We will all gather before June 1, (positions - UNIAN) we will hand over to the military."