Russian soldiers flee Bakhmut 'in bad order' as Ukrainian forces retake ground

Russian forces have fled Ukraine's battlefield city Bakhmut 'in bad order' as Ukraine's military recaptures ground, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) has said.

It is believed that Ukrainian forces have also regained at least 1km of territory in the besieged city.

"Over the last four days, elements of Russia's 72nd Separate Motor Rifle Brigade (72SMRB) likely withdrew in bad order from their positions on the southern flank of the Bakhmut operation," the MOD said in its latest intelligence update posted to Twitter. 

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"The area has some tactical significance because it was a Russian bridgehead on the western side of the Donets-Donbas Canal, which marks the frontline through parts of the sector.

"72 SMRB is an element of Russia's 3rd Army Corps, a formation created in Autumn 2022 and dogged with allegations of poor morale and limited combat effectiveness," the MOD added.

The update went on to say that by deploying this particular unit "highlights Russia's severe shortage of credible combat units."

This comes after Forces News spoke to Justin Crump, a former British Army tank commander, and Dr Stephen Bull, a historian, to find out why the conflict in Ukraine has seen a return of trench warfare.