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Bakhmut Battle Rages On, Russia Incurs Heavy Losses

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/0 .. -battle-rages-on-russia-incurs-heavy-losses.html
  Published in House and Home on Monday, February 9th 2026 at 16:21 GMT by BBC
      Locales: UKRAINE, RUSSIAN FEDERATION

Bakhmut, Ukraine - February 9th, 2026 - The battle for Bakhmut continues to rage, marking nearly two years of relentless conflict and representing a brutal microcosm of the wider war in Ukraine. While holding limited strategic value, the city has become a focal point of intense fighting, and recent reports confirm Russia is incurring "heavy losses" in its ongoing attempt to seize control. According to senior US defense officials, these losses extend beyond mere personnel figures, encompassing significant depletion of vital equipment.

The fighting around Bakhmut is a stark illustration of a war increasingly defined by attrition. Months of sustained bombardment have reduced much of the city to rubble, with both Ukrainian and Russian forces suffering severe casualties. Initially seen as a potential gateway to controlling the Donetsk Oblast, the significance of Bakhmut has seemingly evolved for Russia, shifting towards a symbolic prize and a platform for further, albeit costly, advances. The US assessment suggests Russia is 'throwing a lot of resources' at the city, diverting those resources from other potentially crucial sectors of the expansive front line.

This desperate push is yielding only 'incremental gains', according to US officials, who highlight the disproportionate cost of each meter seized. This raises serious questions about the sustainability of Russia's current offensive strategy. Are they willing to continue absorbing such heavy losses for what appears to be a diminishing return? And how will this impact their capabilities elsewhere along the front?

Interestingly, the offensive is largely being spearheaded by the Wagner mercenary group, a private military company led by Yevgeny Prigozhin. The UK's Defence Ministry has reported that Russia's commitment to this operation is substantial, indicating a willingness to accept "unacceptably high casualties" in the pursuit of a swift victory. The reliance on Wagner raises further complexities. Wagner forces, while often effective in offensive operations, are known for their brutal tactics and, increasingly, for open criticism of the Russian military establishment. Reports suggest tensions exist between Wagner and the regular Russian army regarding supply lines and strategic objectives. This internal friction could hinder Russia's long-term operational effectiveness.

Ukraine, despite facing immense pressure, continues to mount a "stiff defence." While Ukrainian forces have been ordered to strategically withdraw from certain areas of Bakhmut to avoid complete encirclement, they are fiercely resisting the Russian advance, aiming to delay their progress and inflict maximum damage on the attackers. This delaying tactic is crucial, allowing time for reinforcements to arrive, defensive lines to be strengthened elsewhere, and crucially, for the continued delivery of Western military aid.

The nature of the fighting in Bakhmut has been described as 'close quarters combat' with heavy artillery and constant skirmishes. This environment favors defensive positions, making it difficult for the attacking forces to gain a decisive advantage. Furthermore, the ruined cityscape provides ample cover for defenders, while also hindering the advance of armored vehicles. The prolonged siege has also had a devastating impact on the civilian population, with few remaining residents facing dire conditions.

The situation in Bakhmut underscores a key dynamic of the conflict: Russia's increasing reliance on brute force and overwhelming firepower, contrasted with Ukraine's determined defense and reliance on Western support. While Russia may eventually succeed in capturing Bakhmut, the cost in terms of personnel, equipment, and morale could be crippling. The battle serves as a stark reminder that military success is not solely measured by territorial gains, but also by the resources expended and the long-term consequences of those expenditures.

Looking ahead, the fate of Bakhmut will likely influence the broader strategic picture. A Russian victory could embolden them to launch further offensives, while a continued Ukrainian defense could deplete Russian forces and create opportunities for counterattacks. However, given the intensity of the fighting and the scale of the losses, it is becoming increasingly clear that the battle for Bakhmut is not about winning, but about surviving - and ultimately, about who can afford to continue fighting.