Russian troops have escalated their assault on defensive positions, with bitter combating going down across the close by salt mining city of Soledar — a city of barely 10,000 inhabitants earlier than the conflict — as either side try to take management of the area.
Capturing Soledar wouldn’t be a turning level within the conflict for Russia, however might present a breakthrough in its assault on Bakhmut.
Fighters from the Wagner group, Russia’s strongest non-public army firm, have additionally been closely concerned in combating within the space, the place faculties, house blocks and farm buildings have been badly broken or destroyed.