Russia's scramble to strengthen its southern lines has likely weakened its defenses around...

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.

Ukrainian forces are now five miles away from the city, it said, but added that Russia still holds a railway line that runs along an embankment between Klishchiivka and the T 05-13 road, "creating a readily defendable obstacle."