Russian troops continue offensive operations in the area of ​​the city of

in Donetsk region.

At the same time, they temporarily reduced their efforts to surround the city from the southwest, as well as from the northeast. 

This is stated in the report of the American Institute for the Study of War (ISW).

On March 2, the General Staff of the Armed Forces reported that the Defense Forces repelled the Russian offensive near several settlements northwest of the city of Bakhmut.

"The repulsed Russian assault near Khromovoy (3 km west of Bakhmut) indicates that the Russian Armed Forces have probably advanced to the northwest of the city and consolidated their gains south of Dubovo-Vasylivka," analysts report.

Russian media bloggers said that the "Wagnerians" were firing in the direction of Bila Hora and Chasiv Yar (12 km west of Bakhmut) and were trying to block the section of the T0504 highway.

"It appears that Russian forces have temporarily scaled back efforts to encircle Bakhmut from both the southwest and northeast, and may instead be focusing on pressuring Ukrainian forces to withdraw from the city, focusing on a northeast offensive. Russian forces are the last intensified offensive operations in the northern outskirts and suburbs of Bakhmut for weeks and achieved success in these areas," the message reads.

It is noted that the Russian Armed Forces did not advance closer to the T0504 highway between Bakhmut and Chasiv Yar.

According to analysts, the Russian Armed Forces will need to capture Ivanovske and Khromovo in order to cut off Ukrainian land lines of communication (GLOC) in Bakhmut and completely surround the Ukrainian group in the city.

"Russian forces may be trying to pressure Ukrainian forces in Bakhmut into a tactical retreat across the T0504 route, thus reducing their efforts to encircle the settlement by capturing Ivanovsk as well. A dual capture of Bakhmut will likely require additional manpower commitments and equipment, and Russian forces may intend to avoid further costs of a potential encirclement. However, Russian forces continue to advance along the T0504 line and may resume a more concerted effort in this direction," ISW analysts said.

The situation in Bakhmut

The Russian army does not stop trying to take Bakhmut, Donetsk region.

The occupiers are constantly attacking Ukrainian military positions and shelling the city. 

Earlier it became known that the soldiers of the Russian army are trying 

 they want to enter the city from the north, near the settlements of Krasna Gora, Yagidna, Berkhivka, and from the south, where Ivanovske is located.  

The military say that all attempts by the Russian army to surround 

 in Donetsk region are futile.  

Analysts believe that Russia may be preparing for another offensive in the region

in Donetsk region, but hardly has the striking power capable of a breakthrough.

Heavy armored vehicles in the Bakhmut area will be difficult to use until the end of March.

Warming will make it difficult to move through the area.

Read also:

• Ukraine news

• War in Ukraine

• News of Ukraine: video