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A full-strength Russian brigade can consist of anywhere between 2,000 and 8,000 soldiers.<\/p>\n
Fierce fighting continued around Bakhmut as depleted Russian forces launched counterattacks in an attempt to regain lost positions but Syrskyi said Ukrainian forces were holding the line.<\/p>\n
He added: \u201cAfter all, these small, at first glance, settlements were important elements of the enemy’s defensive line, which stretched from Bakhmut to Horlivka [about 25 miles south of the city].\u201d<\/p>\n
The general continued: \u201cAs a result of our troops\u2019 successful actions, the enemy\u2019s defensive line \u2013 which it tried to close by throwing all available reserves into battle \u2013 was breached.\u201d<\/p>\n
Don’t miss… <\/strong> We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info<\/p>\n Washington-based think tank The Institute for the Study of War – which covers the Ukraine conflict – said on Monday that Ukraine made advances south of Bakhmut. Ukrainian claims about the destruction of Russian brigades could mean heavy losses for Moscow.<\/p>\n The think-tank said: \u201cThese VDV [Russian airborne] elements were involved in counterattacking and attempting to roll back Ukrainian advances around Bakhmut\u2026 and likely suffered heavy losses.\u201d<\/p>\n Bakhmut was captured by Wagner mercenary forces in May following a 10-month battle that became one of the bloodiest of the war.<\/p>\n Since launching a counteroffensive in June, Kyiv\u2019s hard-fought forces have recaptured more than 19 square miles of territory around the embattled city.<\/p>\n Hampered by built-up Russian defences – including miles of trenchworks, tank traps and huge amounts of land mines – Ukraine\u2019s counteroffensive has gone slower than the one launched a year ago.<\/p>\n However, recent weeks have seen Kyiv\u2019s forces mount breakthroughs on the southern and, now, eastern fronts.<\/p>\n Ukraine will likely push for significant gains before the so-called muddy season sets in around late fall hampering troop movements.<\/p>\n
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