Russia Makes Headway But Victory In Bakhmut May Be Merely Symbolic For Putin

Ukraine says the cities of Bakhmut and Avdiivka have now become the "epicentre" of the war. On December 15, Russia’s DPR head said fierce fighting is raging on the outskirts of Bakhmut in Donetsk. The Institute for the Study of War also reported that the Wagner Group has breached Ukrainian lines to take control of Bakhmut. However, several experts argue that Putin is unlikely to benefit much strategically from a victory in Bakhmut. Experts say capturing a small, destroyed city after a prolonged battle will not indicate that Russia has “regained momentum in the war”. 0:00 - Introduction 0:45 - Bakhmut Becomes "Epicentre" of War in Ukraine’s East 2:04 - Why Russia Wants to Capture Bakhmut 3:40 - Why Putin May Not Gain Much From Bakhmut Win