The battle of Bakhmmut is wearing on both sides as Ukrainian forces have stabilized defensive lines despite recent Russian advances, the UK Defense Ministry said in a Tuesday intelligence update.
"The Ukrainian defense of Bakhmut continues to degrade forces on both sides," said the ministry. "A Russian strike destroyed a bridge over the only paved supply road into Bakhmut still under Ukrainian control around 02 March. Muddy conditions are likely hampering Ukrainian resupply efforts as they increasingly resort to using unpaved tracks."
Russian forces have also reportedly been having supply issues, which Wagner mercenaries saying they have been sabotaged by a purposeful lack of ammunition allocated to them. Wagner contends much of the Russian successes in the Bakhmmut area are attributed to them.
The UK Defense Ministry said the munitions dispute "highlights the difficulty in sustaining the high levels of personnel and ammunition required to advance with their current tactics."
The city of Bakhmut has become a major front in the war, with Russia slowly gaining ground. The Donbas city is an important logistical hub.
According to TASS, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said on Tuesday that the capture of Bakhmut would allow the Kremlin to push deeper into Ukrainian defenses.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with generals mainly on the situation in Bakhmut on Monday.
Zelensky said that there was consensus among his officers that they should reinforce and not withdraw from the city.
"Bakhmut has yielded and is yielding one of the greatest results during this war, during the entire battle for Donbas," said Zelensky. "I thank every soldier who is fighting in this most difficult area."