Ukrainian forces are trying to maintain control over the besieged city Bahamut for several months while Russian troops tighten the cordon around the city.

President Volodymyr Zelensky has pledged to send reinforcements to the region, announcing a “continuation of the defensive operation” at all costs, even at the risk of bringing in the bulk of his sizable troops.

Who is Bahamut?

Bakhmut is part of an industrialized region in the east of the country called Donbass. Before the war, the population of the city, located next to a large natural salt deposit, was 70,000, and this number was reduced to less than 4,000 people as citizens fled the war-torn area, much of which was destroyed.

Why is it important?

According to military analysts, Bahamut, especially in its current flattened state, is of limited strategic value. However, a Russian victory there would have been a triumph of special symbolism, marking the first major fall of the city center since last summer.

As Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu also explained, the capture of the city will allow Russian forces to penetrate deeper into the Ukrainian defenses.

According to Reuters, the capture of Bakhmut will be the first for Russian troops springboard to proceed to two larger cities further west, Kramatorsk And Slavyansk.

Both sides argue that the continuation of the battle for Bahamut allows them to use enemy forces that would otherwise be used on other fronts of the offensive.

How long do battles rage on?

Russian troops have been bombarding the area since May last year, and in early August, the army began to lay siege to the city. After several months of slow progress, the Russian troops retreated to encircle the city, capturing the settlements to the north and south. However, in recent weeks, as Ukrainian forces continue their furious counterattacks, Russia’s efforts have faltered. Neither side has released an official death toll from the Bakhmut battle, but each claims the other suffered heavy casualties.

What is the role of Wagner?

Her fighters Russian mercenary detachment Wagnera company founded by Yevgeny Prigozhin, a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, focused on the siege.

The battle has become an ontological challenge for Wagner’s fighters to live up to the Kremlin’s expectations of them playing a central role in the conflict.

Recently, however, Prigozhin complained that the lack of ammunition hindered the efforts of his people, and accused the Ministry of Defense of sabotage.

Will Ukraine surrender the city?

After months of swearing to defend the city and slowly strengthening Russian forces, Zelensky signaled a few days ago that Kyiv might be forced to concede.

However, shortly thereafter, he met with his generals and agreed with their recommendation to continue the defense of the city, ordering reinforcements to be sent.

Source: Bloomberg.