Russians capture Paraskovievka, North of Bakhmut.
After weeks of fighting the town finally fell to Russian and Wagner forces.
Bakhmut has been a complete bloodbath for both sides, but particularly the Ukrainian side. The intensity of the fighting has only increased since the beginning of January with the Russians (specifically Wagner) forces breaking through in the south near Ivanivske and North in blahodatne and now Paraskovievka.
With the capture of Paraskovievka this puts even more pressure on the Ukrainian forces at the center of Bakhmut since the Wagner forces will attack next at Berchiwka, which contains another supply route into Bakhmut.
Should this small hub fall, the Ukrainians will have only 1 road left a bit farther to the south which will not only heavily strain supply coming into Bakhmut, but should Ukraine decide to withdraw from Bakhmut (looks unlikely) they will be funneled into the only road going to Chasiv Yar (the road in red). Which leaves them very vulnerable to indirect fire, i.e Artillery or direct fire, i.e tanks and planes.
(Credits to Suriyakmaps on twitter for the map)
This should come to no surprise to anyone following the events since early January where the soledar line completely collapsed. The Russian and Wagner tactic is to surround the city on all sides and cut off the supply routes instead of going head on.
And the tactic seems to be working with Bakhmut on the verge of Operational Encirclement which is different from an Encirclement. Operational encirclement means all the supply routes have been cut, but there is still space left for the soldiers to leave, like fields or forests. Encirclement is when all space has been surrounded including fields and forests. Operational encirclement is of course just as bad.
The Ukrainians have a long road ahead of them since they’ll also be dealing with the likely Russian offensive this or next month which could stretch the Ukrainian lines further and since the western tanks will not be coming until the summer its going to be a tough time being a Ukrainian soldier and supporter.