Russia's scramble to strengthen its southern lines has likely weakened its defenses around Bakhmut, with Ukrainian forces just 5 miles from the city, UK intel says

• Russia has redeployed troops away from Bakhmut, likely weakening its defenses, the UK MOD said.
• Ukrainian troops are within 5 miles of the city, the Ministry of Defence added.
• It's part of Ukraine's attempts to draw troops away from the main axis of the war, one expert said.

Russia's redeployment of troops to strengthen its fighting in southern Ukraine has likely weakened its defenses around Bakhmut, the UK Ministry of Defence said on Wednesday.

In its latest intelligence update, the UK MOD noted that Ukrainian forces have had "tactical success" in retaking two villages — Klishchiivka and Andriivka — bringing them closer to a key supply road into Bakhmut from the south.