Russia is making every effort to take control of Bakhmut by 9 May. To do this, Russia is bringing in Wagner mercenaries from other areas and replacing paratrooper assault units with them, Deputy Minister of Defence of Ukraine Hanna Malyar has said. She noted that Ukrainian defenders keep the Russians from breaking through the defence.
"In addition, Ukrainian artillery fire destroyed Wagner's ammunition storage sites," she said.
Russia has been focusing its efforts on the Bakhmut direction for many months. To achieve its goal, Moscow has deployed its "elite" paratroopers and the most trained mercenary units of private military companies.
Engagements have long evolved into street warfare, sometimes taking place at short distances.