After a month of relative calm, Bakhmut has once again become one of the most heavily fought areas. To the north and south of the city, Ukrainian troops have made "steady progress", while Russian forces in the Bakhmut sector are having significant problems.

The Russian command will probably try to hold on to Bakhmut as one of the few achievements of the "second army of the world" in the last year of the war in Ukraine, but Russia may have too few reserves to do so. This is stated in a new report by the UK Ministry of Defence.

The British defence ministry stated that after a relative lull in June, Bakhmut again became one of the epicentres of the fiercest fighting. A significant escalation has been observed, in particular, over the past week.

"Ukrainian forces have made steady gains both north and south of the Russian-controlled city. Russian soldiers are likely to be struggling with poor morale, a mix of heterogeneous units and a limited ability to locate and engage Ukrainian artillery," the British Ministry of Defence outlined the situation in the Bakhmut sector.

They predict that the Russian command will make every effort to hold Bakhmut, but express doubt that these efforts will be effective.

"The Russian leadership almost certainly considers it politically unacceptable to give up Bakhmut, which has symbolic value as one of Russia's few achievements in the last 12 months. However, it is likely that there are few additional reserves for the development of the sector," the British Ministry of Defence said.

Earlier, British intelligence explained what was behind Russia's statement on the creation of the Azov Naval District. The Azov Sea has always been a link to international sea routes for Russia. Today, it has become vital as an alternative supply route for the occupation groups in southern Ukraine if the Ukrainian Armed Forces are able to cut off the land logistics "corridors".

British intelligence has also revealed the occupiers' tactics, through which Russia is trying to slow down the Ukrainian Armed Forces' counter-offensive operations. The invaders have increased the use of mines, and the enemy has also reinforced its drones and aircraft to strike at the armoured vehicles of the Defence Forces.

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