Armed Forces of Ukraine say Russia is deploying regular forces near Bakhmut

Serhiy Cherevaty, a spokesperson for Ukraine’s Armed Forces, says that Russia is now sending regular troops to Bakhmut where Wagner Group mercenaries have been doing the bulk of the fighting for Russia. Ukraine says deploying regular troops is necessary due to heavy losses among Wagner fighters — around 100 people a day, “counting only the dead.”

According to Cherevaty, Russia is sending motorized brigades and paratroopers to Bakhmut. The U.K. Ministry of Defense also reported that Russia was likely using airborne troops near Bakhmut, and “is again using artillery more effectively in the sector.”

No independent sources have confirmed the presence of paratroopers in combat in Bakhmut itself.