Soledar Direction Chronicle of Battles, September 18-20, 2022

▪️After the release of Ukrainian formations from Kharkiv Direction, a significant number of troops were redeployed to Luhansk Direction. Kreminna, Rubizhne and Lysychans'k are AFU’s priority targets.

▪️AFU managed to occupy Bilohorivka, being a grey zone for a long time.

▪️Ukrainian forces managed to break through Russian Armed Forces' defence for a short time in Berestove. As a result of the counterattack, AFU were pushed back from the village. The settlement is fully controlled by Allied Forces.

▪️North of Berestove, AFU managed to occupy Spirne. Part of Wagner’sPMC forces had to be redeployed there. Ukrainian formations are trying to push through Allied Forces’ defences.

▪️Heavy fighting continues in Soledar. Allied Forces are storming abandoned residential areas from the side of KNAUF Gips Donbass Factory. At the moment, Russian troops control at least a quarter of the city.

▪️Wagner’s PMC main forces continue to methodically destroy AFU firing points in Bakhmut (Artemivsk). Reports about the control over the champagne factory have not been confirmed. PMC forces are at a crossroads in the eastern part of Patrice Lumumba Street.

▪️ Southeast of Bakhmut, Donbasskaya Electric Substation (Pidstantsiya "Donbassʹka”), a powerful AFU stronghold, was mopped up. Now Wagner’s PMC forces operating in this area are developing an offensive in the direction of Vesela Dolyna.

▪️At this stage neither Bakhmut nor Soledar can be swooped in. Allied Forces carry out the task of methodically mopping up the approaches and outskirts. Despite the relatively slow pace of advance, Allied Forces successfully carry out the task of destroying the enemy's reinforcements and cutting off their main communications.