Today's D Brief: Russia closes in on Ukraine's Bakhmut; Putin is digging in, NATO says; 2 missiles needed for Huron 'object'; Rep. Khanna on China, AI; And a bit more.
Defense OneDec 23, 2022
Day 357: Ukraine Re-enforcing Troop Numbers in Bakhmut, Wagner Head Says
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Image copyright: Reuters [via Reuters]
The Facts
Ukraine is sending hundreds of new troops to the Donetsk city of Bakhmut every day in what has been the fiercest battle of the war so far, Yevgeny Prigozhin, head of the Russian mercenary group Wagner, said via Telegram on Tuesday.
"Bakhmut will not be taken tomorrow, because there is very strong resistance," Prigozhin said. "In all directions, the enemy is becoming more active and bringing in ever more reserves," he continued, claiming that between 300 and 500 troops were being deployed and artillery fire intensifying "every day."
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Russia's inability to take the Donetsk city of Bakhmut is symbolic of the wider deficiencies that will prevent it from conducting further successful offensives in Ukraine.
Pro-Russia narrative
Russian forces are continuing to make advances in Donetsk. It's only a matter of time before Moscow's forces take the city of Bakhmut and the remainder of the Donetsk region.
