If the Russian military succeeds in capturing Bakhmut, it will not mean that Moscow has been able to change the course of the war.

Such a statement was made by US Defense Minister Lloyd Austin, writes The Guardian.

In his opinion, Bakhmut has a more symbolic meaning for Ukraine than an operational one.

"I think it's more of a symbolic value than a strategic and operational value," he said.

However, Austin refused to predict whether Bakhmut would be captured by Russian troops.

"The fall of Bakhmut will not necessarily mean that the Russians have changed the course of this struggle," Austin added.

The situation in Bakhmut

The city of 

Bakhmut in the Donetsk region

 remains the hottest spot on the front.

The Russian occupiers are trying to cut off the supply of ammunition to the Ukrainian military and surround the defenders of the city.

Fierce fighting continues on the outskirts of Bakhmut, key bridges across the Bakhmutka River have been destroyed.

Military expert Oleg Zhdanov said that in the direction of Bakhmut, there are no attempts by Russian forces to surround the Ukrainian city and encircle it. 

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