Recent strategic gains by Ukraine saw them securing two villages near Bakhmut, Donetsk Oblast. The Russian-controlled railway line, however, remains a powerful defense hindering further Ukrainian advances, according to the British Defense Ministry’s 20 September intelligence update.

The ministry tweeted:

• Since 15 September 2023, the Ukrainian Armed Forces have secured the villages of Klishchiivka and Andriivka, approximately 8km to the south of the Donetsk Oblast town of Bakhmut.
• This tactical success brings Ukrainian forces closer to the T 05-13 road, one of the main supply routes into Bakhmut from the south. However, Russia continues to hold the railway line which runs along an embankment between Klishchiivka and the T 05-13, creating a readily defendable obstacle.
• Recent redeployments of Russian airborne forces from Bakhmut to Zaporizhzhia in southern Ukraine have likely weakened Russia’s defences around Bakhmut.

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