Contrary to statements, Russian troops did not capture Soledar, much less cordoned off Bakhmut. This is stated in the report of the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) for January 11.

ISW analysts noted that several Russian sources claimed that Wagner group forces advanced west of Soledar as early as January 10.. But this information was denied even by the founder of PIK Wagner Yevgeny Prigozhin, noting that his forces are still fighting against concerted Ukrainian resistance..

As of January 10, ISW observed only visual confirmation of the forces of the Wagner Group in the center of Soledar.

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“However, the reality of turn-based control of the area in Soledar is overshadowed by the dynamic nature of urban combat, and Russian forces have been mainly trying to achieve significant tactical successes in the Soledar area for months,” ISW notes.. “Even taking the most generous Russian claims at face value, the capture of Soledar would not portend an immediate encirclement of Bakhmut.”.

Recall, the General Staff reported that Ukrainian defenders continue to fight with Russian invaders for control over the city of Soledar, Donetsk region. The aggressor is trying to capture the settlement and the logistical routes of our fighters, but suffers significant losses.