Why MNI
MNI is the leading provider
of intelligence and analysis on the Global Fixed Income, Foreign Exchange and Energy markets. We use an innovative combination of real-time analysis, deep fundamental research and journalism to provide unique and actionable insights for traders and investors. Our "All signal, no noise" approach drives an intelligence service that is succinct and timely, which is highly regarded by our time constrained client base.Our Head Office is in London with offices in Chicago, Washington and Beijing, as well as an on the ground presence in other major financial centres across the world.
State-run Interfax reporting comments from Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu. States that the 'seizure of Bakhmut will allow further offensives in Ukraine.' Adds that the 'West is increasing arms deliveries to Ukraine' but says that 'NATO's increased arms supplies to Kyiv regime don't lead to Ukraine's success on battlefield.' While Russian officials claim that the eastern city of Bakhmut has been taken by its forces, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has sought to quash any speculation of a retreat, stating on 6 March that "I told the chief of staff to find the appropriate forces to help the guys in Bakhmut. There is no part of Ukraine about which one can say that it can be abandoned."
- There remains a major military policy debate over the strategic value of Ukraine continuing to defend Bakhmut (setting aside the morale-boosting aspects of holding the redoubt). US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III stated “I think it is more of a symbolic value than it is strategic and operational value. The fall of Bakhmut won’t necessarily mean that the Russians have changed the tide of this fight.”
- The fall of Bakhmut would allow Russia to seek to move onto besieging the cities of Konstantinovka and Kramatorsk, but given the Ukrainian defensive positions and the increasingly boggy spring ground this could take many weeks if not months. During this period, Ukraine will have become armed by more advanced Western weaponry as well as German-made Leopard II main battle tanks.
Map of Region Surrounding Bakhmut
Source: Al Jazeera, Institute for the Study of War.
Why MNI
MNI is the leading provider
of intelligence and analysis on the Global Fixed Income, Foreign Exchange and Energy markets. We use an innovative combination of real-time analysis, deep fundamental research and journalism to provide unique and actionable insights for traders and investors. Our "All signal, no noise" approach drives an intelligence service that is succinct and timely, which is highly regarded by our time constrained client base.Our Head Office is in London with offices in Chicago, Washington and Beijing, as well as an on the ground presence in other major financial centres across the world.