Russian military may be exhausting its forces with the offensive near Bakhmut — Institute for the Study of War

It is noted that the Russian offensive operations around Bakhmut "absorb a significant portion of Russia's available combat power, potentially facilitating the continuation of Ukrainian counteroffensives elsewhere".

"The casualties associated with six months of brutal, exhausting fighting around Bakhmut far outweigh any operational advantage the Russians might gain by capturing the town," the report said.

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