The Russian occupiers have advanced somewhat in the direction of Bakhmut and, for the sake of capturing it, they are saving forces near Seversk. However, experts at the American Institute for the Study of War (ISW) doubt that the Russians will have enough strength to take Bakhmut. They expressed this opinion in their review and on July 28.

“The Russian group in the Donetsk region is probably seeking to gain the last minor gains to the southeast of Bakhmut, continuing their attempts to advance in the area. It is possible that Russian troops are weakening their attempts to take Seversk in order to focus on Bakhmut, but it is too early to talk about this, ”the ISW review says..

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They noted that the invaders are trying to attack Bakhmut from the north side from the recently mined positions around the Novolugansk and Uglegorsk thermal power plants.. And at the same time - along the T1302 highway from the recently captured positions in Berestovo.

And, conversely, they have barely made progress around Seversk, but have not made a single confirmed advance in its direction since the capture of the administrative border of the Luhansk region in early July.

“Thus, the Russian command will probably try to maintain momentum around Bakhmut, potentially by continuing pressure on Seversk.

It is unlikely that Russian troops will accept Bakhmut himself, despite the recent gradual advance in his direction, ”the experts add..

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Recall that in a preliminary review of the ISW it was said that the available forces and resources for the Russians would be enough for an offensive in only two directions.. It was about Bakhmut and Seversk. However, now, it means that they are conserving forces near Seversk for the sake of attacking Bakhmut.