The Ukrainian military continues to hold Bakhmut firmly. It is far from complete encirclement, and even further from operational.

This was announced on Channel 24 by Colonel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, military expert and instructor pilot Roman Svitan. He explained that the Russians realized that “you can't surround Bakhmut with a thin claw.” Therefore, now they will try to go along the Debaltsevo-Slavyansk highway. However, the enemy has problems here too.

“A tongue that breaks away from the mother part can itself be hit,” Roman Svitan commented on the map.

Map of hostilities as of 16.03 from Deep State/Screenshot

The Russians can get into a semicircle

The military expert noted that now the situation is twofold. On the one hand, the Ukrainian garrison is in a semi-encirclement. On the other hand, the Russians themselves may find themselves in it.

This entire “PVKshnaya fraternity”, trying to move towards Slavyansk, can get into a semi-encirclement. From under Bakhmut, access to Belogorovka or back – and all this offensive potential will be in the operational environment, and then eliminated, ”Svitan explained.

According to him, everything will depend on the skill of our military. Therefore, to say who is now surrounded is a debatable issue.

Roman Svitan about the operational situation near Bakhmut: watch the video

How many Russians will be surrounded

According to a military expert, these are at least 3 brigades – up to 7.5 thousand people.

“These are quite significant problems for the Russians. But in order for us to surround them and carry out such actions, we need 3–5 assault brigades. , the speaker emphasized.

Bakhmut: latest news

• The military man in the telegram channel “Bakhmut Demon” noted that there was hope for a turnaround in the situation. However, it is too early to rejoice.
• The head of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Mark Milley, said that Ukrainian defenders pinned down Russian terrorists in Bakhmut. Therefore, our armed forces continue to reliably defend the city and stand on their positions.
• In the Donetsk region, two women were exposed who “leaked” the positions of the Armed Forces of Ukraine near Bakhmut to the Russian occupiers. Now they face a serious sentence.