By the evening of January 16, Ukrainian troops probably left the city of Soledar in the Donbass, leaving Russian military and Wagner forces under control, British intelligence notes..

Ukrainian forces likely set up new defensive lines in the west, analysts say.

The Russian offensive on Soledar mainly involved Wagner forces, and the operation was aimed at making the capture of Bakhmut possible.. Now one of the two main ways of supplying Ukraine to the city is under increasing pressure..

“The images show that since the beginning of January 2023, the south and east of Bakhmut continued to be subjected to intense artillery fire.. Ukrainian forces almost certainly continue to defend against Russian forces on the outskirts of the city,” British intelligence said..

The industrial city of Soledar in the Donetsk region is one of the hottest spots on the front. It is located 18 kilometers from Bakhmut and has a network of underground tunnels.. Heavy fighting has been going on there for several weeks..