Ukraine drives back Russian forces around Bakhmut
NBCDec 24, 2022
The Facts
Russia's defense ministry has denied that Ukraine made any front-line breakthroughs in the "engagement line" [near Bakhmut] — in the Donetsk region.
Earlier in the week, Oleksandr Syrskyi, head of Ukraine's ground forces, said his troops had advanced as much as 1.2 miles (2 km) in some areas of the front line. "Thanks to our well-thought-out defense on the Bakhmut front, we are getting results from the efficient actions of our units," he said.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Drawing context from the statements of Prigozhin and the Russian defense ministry's responses — as well as from geolocated footage that showed a recent reversal of positions in some areas — Ukraine likely did regain territory that was recently held by Moscow.
Pro-Russia narrative
Reports of Ukrainian advances are false. Russian troops have continued to repel all Ukrainian attacks, while offensive operations are still ongoing in several regions. Moscow continues to hold the majority of Bakhmut, or Artyomovsk in Russian.