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Ukraine War Update: Soledar Update

Tuesday, 10th January 2023, 18:57
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This summary has been produced automatically by an AI Large Language Model (LLM) without any human intervention. Whilst every effort has been made to prompt the LLM to produce accurate output, there may be inconsistencies, inaccuracies or hallucinations!
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"Whatever you call it, it will be a city of military glory."

Hello Team!

Jonathan provides a caveat that this update on the situation in Soledar should be taken with a "pinch of salt" due to the fog of war and difficulties verifying information. The update may not be entirely factual.

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Video of Russian forces in central Soledar

  • A video has emerged purportedly showing Wagner forces in central Soledar. The location has been geolocated to the city administration building.
  • Interestingly, one of the soldiers is wearing a Ukrainian uniform without the white armband used by Russian forces. The reason for this is unclear but could be an attempt at deception.
  • The soldiers in the video seem relatively calm despite gunfire in the background, suggesting they are not under immediate threat.


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Ukrainian sources on the situation in Soledar

  • Pro-Ukrainian source @no_reports says there are no indications Ukrainian forces in Soledar are withdrawing or surrendering. They are adhering to orders and doing everything in their power to hold their positions.
  • @WarMonitor3 reports that Ukrainian forces are inflicting massive losses on Russian mobilised soldiers in Soledar and on the outskirts of Bakhmut.
  • Heavy fighting continues around the Soledar salt mine, with Ukrainian air assault brigades and special forces holding the defense. The situation remains tense.


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Russian claims about Soledar and Bakhmut

  • Russian source @rybar claims Wagner assault troops are attacking central and northern Soledar, with heavy fighting near the city hall. Communications between Ukrainian units have allegedly been severed and they are preparing to withdraw.
  • Northeast of Bakhmut, Russian forces have reportedly broken through Ukrainian defenses, allowing advances towards Krasnohora and Paraskovyivka. If true, this could threaten the supply line from Siversk.
  • South and southwest of Bakhmut, Wagner units are attacking Ukrainian positions in Klishchiivka and Opytne, both under Russian fire control.


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Importance of Soledar and Bakhmut for Russian forces

Jonathan shares a post from a Russian military blogger emphasizing the symbolic importance of capturing Soledar and Bakhmut: "Bakhmut hasn't been taken yet, but patriots are already fighting over the city's name. Let it go already. As if one or the other name cancels the feat of the Russian soldier. Whatever you call it, it will be a city of military glory." This demonstrates the PR value a victory in this area would have for Wagner and Russia.

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Latest Wagner map of Soledar

  • Wagner has released a map claiming they control the Soledar city administration and have surrounded a "cauldron" of Ukrainian forces near the Salt Mine 4 area.
  • The map suggests the Ukrainians have been pushed back to the northwestern outskirts of Soledar.
  • However, Jonathan cautions that this information is mainly from Russian sources and may not be fully accurate. Ukrainian sources are unlikely to immediately admit to setbacks.


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Additional updates

  • A Russian Telegram propagandist with 50,000 followers, who previously urged not taking any prisoners, has reportedly been captured by Ukrainian forces.
  • As a result of heavy battlefield casualties, hospitals in Russian-occupied Berdyansk are full of wounded Russian soldiers, according to the Ukrainian General Staff.


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Wrap up

In conclusion, while the information is hard to verify, the situation for Ukrainian forces in Soledar appears difficult given the momentum of the Russian assault. Both sides are likely suffering heavy losses. For Russia and Wagner, the capture of Soledar and Bakhmut would be a symbolic PR victory, but the human cost may be severe. The Ukrainians' strategy and broader tactical considerations remain to be seen. Jonathan will provide a full frontline update tomorrow.

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🤖❓ AI Debrief (post task) - anything the AI didn't understand

No major parts of the transcript were unclear. Some of the place names mentioned may not be spelled entirely correctly.

🤖💭 AI Plan (pre task) - the AI's step by step thought process

Steps: Extract title, date and part from the video title Identify key topics and summarize each one, using the provided XML structure Select a profound or poignant quote from the transcript Review transcript again to ensure all important points are covered Note any parts of the transcript that were unclear Considerations: Use British English spelling and grammar Provide enough context for each topic summary Merge any topics that are revisited later in the video Include any sources/individuals credited by Jonathan Capture Jonathan's insights, analysis and opinions Convey Jonathan's personality, passion and humour where appropriate Be aware the transcript may contain errors, especially for Ukrainian place names Remember there will be a knowledge gap between my training data and the video date

ATP-AI-Bot

Summaries based on original content from Jonathan MS Pearce

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