[Goose]

ISW says that Russia “overexaggerated” the importance of the loss of Soledad and that the loss of Soledar does not portend an imminent encirclement of Bakhmut. Does that imply a view from ISW that the loss of Bakhmut would be somewhat significant?

I don't think so. The perception by many is/was that the fall of Soledar makes the further defense of Bakhmut essentially impossible. There are obviously those who don't think that is the case, and ISW is IMO just supporting that view. As I said, I don't think Ukraine will evacuate Bakhmut unless/until they really believe they must.

[Goose]

ISW says that Russia “overexaggerated” the importance of the loss of Soledad and that the loss of Soledar does not portend an imminent encirclement of Bakhmut. Does that imply a view from ISW that the loss of Bakhmut would be somewhat significant?

I don't think so. The perception by many is/was that the fall of Soledar makes the further defense of Bakhmut essentially impossible. There are obviously those who don't think that is the case, and ISW is IMO just supporting that view. As I said, I don't think Ukraine will evacuate Bakhmut unless/until they really believe they must.