Ukraine aids civilian flight from city

Ukrainian forces were helping civilians flee the battle-scarred eastern city of Bakhmut on Sunday as Russian forces gained a stronghold in suburbs around the city that has been the focus of intense battles for weeks.

The Washington-based think tank Institute for the Study of War said Russian forces appear to have secured a sufficient positional advantage in Bakhmut to conduct a “turning movement” to force Ukrainian troops to abandon defensive positions. The Russians have not forced the Ukrainian military to withdraw – but may not need to, the assessment says.

The Russian mercenary team Wagner Group has committed its most advanced and prepared elements to assault operations in the area, and Ukraine authorities are not sure the city is worth the cost of defense, the institute says.

“Ukrainian forces are far more likely to withdraw than to become encircled,” the assessment said. “Ukrainians might still be able to hold their positions in Bakhmut if they choose to try.” Developments:

Ukraine’s Cabinet ministers approved the

State Anti-Corruption Program providing “systemic steps” aimed at providing Ukrainians more government transparency.

⬤ Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu met with Eastern Military District Commander Col. Gen. Rustam Muradov in western Donetsk Oblast amid Russian losses around Vuhledar.

Turn in war could indicate that Russia is running low on munitions

Evidence suggests an increase in close combat in Ukraine, the British Defense Ministry says. The ministry blames the Russian command, saying it continues to insist on offensive action largely consisting of dismounted infantry, and less support from artillery fire because Russia is short of munitions.

Last month the ministry said it was likely that Russia’s efforts to capture areas of the Donetsk region held by Ukraine were being hamstrung because of a lack of “munitions and units required for successful offensives.”

NATO has said Ukraine faces a shortage in ammunition, and member nations are developing plans to keep Kyiv’s weaponry loaded.