Russia is likely to claim the capture of Bakhmut around February 24, regardless of the real situation

The UK Ministry of Defence intelligence reported this.

Such possible reports may be related to the increasing political pressure on the Russian command as the anniversary of the full-scale invasion approaches.

The intelligence notes that if Russia's spring offensive fails to achieve significant results, tensions within the Russian leadership will likely increase.

Vuhledar, Kreminna, and Bakhmut remain the priority areas of the Russian offensive. The Russian army is suffering heavy losses in these areas. In particular, the "elite" 155th and 40th Naval Infantry Brigades suffered very heavy losses in Vuhledar and are likely combat ineffective.