“Conventional Russian forces are likely replacing exhausted Wagner Group forces to maintain the offensive in Bakhmut after the Wagner Group’s offensive in Bakhmut culminated with the capture of Soledar around January 12. The Wagner Group’s assault on Bakhmut has likely culminated with its surge on Soledar. Wagner Group forces in Bakhmut have not made significant gains since capturing Soledar around January 12. Conventional Russian units are now participating in fighting in Bakhmut to reinvigorate the Russian offensive there.”
“One anonymous US official reportedly stated on January 5 that the Wagner Group’s forces have sustained more than 4,100 deaths and 10,000 wounded, including over 1,000 killed between late November and early December near Bakhmut.”
https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-january-28-2023
“Air reconnaissance of the Zaporizhzhya Brigade @TDF_UA in cooperation with their comrades from the 44 OABr named after Hetman Danylo Apostol successfully disrupted the training of the Katsaps to conduct offensive operations, destroying an enemy tank.”
https://twitter.com/operativno_ZSU/status/1619606028257222656
Conventional Russian forces are likely replacing exhausted Wagner Group forces to maintain the offensive in Bakhmut
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So a partially effective fighting force with plenty of shock troops (which are now mostly dead) has been replaced by a less effective fighting force. Brilliant!
“The Wagner Group’s assault on Bakhmut has likely culminated with its surge on Soledar.”
They likely have also culminated in their ability to recruit convicts.
Next phase of the war coming up...