Ukraine War Update: Soledar Update
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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