The Russian 72nd Separate Motor Rifle Brigade “likely withdrew in bad order from their positions” on the southern flank near Bakhmut, Donetsk oblast, allowing Ukrainian forces to regain at least a kilometer of territory, according to the latest intelligence update from the UK Defense Ministry.
The ministry tweeted:
- “Over the last four days, elements of Russia’s 72nd Separate Motor Rifle Brigade (72 SMRB) likely withdrew in bad order from their positions on the southern flank of the Bakhmut operation. Ukrainian forces regained at least a kilometre of territory.”
- “The area has some tactical significance because it was a Russian bridgehead on the western side of the Donets-Donbas Canal, which marks the front line through parts of the sector.”
- “72 SMRB is an element of Russia’s 3rd Army Corps, a formation created in Autumn 2023 and dogged with allegations of poor morale and limited combat effectiveness. Its deployment to such a demanding and operationally important sector highlights Russia’s severe shortage of credible combat units.”
Read also:
- Ukraine would like to reclaim its lands “by winter” but won’t set a time limit – Security Council Secretary
- Russians pushed back 0.25-1.5km in Bakhmut north and south – Eastern Group of Forces
- Russia abandons attempts to encircle Ukrainians in Bakhmut – ISW
- Frontline report: Russians desert more positions, escape Ukrainian encirclement near Bakhmut
