Eastern European commentator Geert Jan Hahn thinks there has been a rotation on the battlefield recently. “What can be observed from this is that the Russian Air Force is in control of the situation around Bachmut, while the Wagner units are conducting street battles in the center of the city.”
“80 percent of Bachmut is more or less in Russian hands”
Hahn argues that there is cooperation and a struggle for power at the same time, because the mercenaries of the Wagner group are still at odds with the Russian troops. “In general, 80% of Bachmoet is in Russian hands, so there is cooperation there as well,” he continues, but Hahn dares to ask who will ultimately claim Bachmoet’s victory from the Russian side.
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Kremlin
If it’s foreign affairs commentator Bernard Hammelburg’s turn, the Kremlin will take that victory. “That’s obvious, because they’ve been fighting for this for ten months,” he says. “And whether it finishes in Division 1 or 2, it’s a hugely important win.”
Hammelburg uses “victory” in the most relative sense of the word, as it emphasizes that a ruin is being fought for. “No one lives there anymore,” he continues. And Wagner’s big break in the last 24 hours was to win three blocks. This gives perspective: it’s really a few millimeters ahead.’
“Wagner’s big breakthrough in the last 24 hours was hitting three city blocks”
‘No doubt’
No matter how slow progress is, it is still progress. According to Hammelburg there are therefore no doubts about the fate that will befall the city of Bachmoet: the Russians will be victorious. “Even the Americans predicted it months ago,” he says. “They then advised Zelensky to halt and save troops and equipment for the upcoming spring offensive.”
Instead, the Battle of Bachmoet has become a symbol of war, Hammelburg says. “There is something very tragic about sacrificing so many lives, equipment and time for a fight over a ruin,” she concludes.