According to a recent intelligence update by the UK, Russian troops and the Wagner Group have increased their attacks on the Donetsk Oblast town of Bakhmut, forcing Ukrainian troops to withdraw from some territory. The Russian side has improved cooperation between its defence ministry and mercenary group, with Wagner taking the lead on the Russian side in the battle. The British update noted that the Ukrainian defence still holds the western districts of the town, but has been subjected to intense Russian artillery fire. Wagner units are now advancing in the centre of Bakhmut, while Russian paratroopers are attacking the city's flanks.

The city of Bakhmut has been Russia's main target in a massive winter offensive, which has yielded scant gains so far. The capture of Bakhmut would be Russia's first substantial victory in eight months and would open a route to capturing more territory in Ukraine's eastern Donbas region. Ukraine is preparing for its own counteroffensive and had previously appeared likely to abandon Bakhmut, but announced in March it would continue fighting there, saying that Russia was taking higher casualties trying to storm the city.