[TrumpCard]

Bakhmut is not a strategically or tactically critical objective for either Russia or Ukraine. 

I don't know whether this assessment is credible, but some folks seem to think Bakhmut has significant value:
https://twitter.com/J_JHelin/status/1603363429594431489

This academic, who has had some good insights into the war, does not buy the full thread above, but does seem to acknowledge the tactical value for Russia to take Bakhmut:
https://twitter.com/kofmanmichael/status...81?lang=en

I'm not saying that Ukraine would be doomed if Bakhmut fell.  I'm just noting the NYT view that Ukraine is putting a lot of troops into the battle for Bakhmut, possibly creating vulnerabilities.  I just hope that Ukraine's leadership has figured out evacuation plans in the event the town falls.  I expect that's true, and if so, then maybe the NYT's point is overblown.

[TrumpCard]

Bakhmut is not a strategically or tactically critical objective for either Russia or Ukraine. 

I don't know whether this assessment is credible, but some folks seem to think Bakhmut has significant value:
https://twitter.com/J_JHelin/status/1603363429594431489

This academic, who has had some good insights into the war, does not buy the full thread above, but does seem to acknowledge the tactical value for Russia to take Bakhmut:
https://twitter.com/kofmanmichael/status...81?lang=en

I'm not saying that Ukraine would be doomed if Bakhmut fell.  I'm just noting the NYT view that Ukraine is putting a lot of troops into the battle for Bakhmut, possibly creating vulnerabilities.  I just hope that Ukraine's leadership has figured out evacuation plans in the event the town falls.  I expect that's true, and if so, then maybe the NYT's point is overblown.