Heavy fighting and rapid advances by Ukraine northwest and southwest of Bakhmut over the last 72 hours.
In the north, Russian units appear to be abandoning forward positions from their salient which they had developed in the last four to five weeks, expanding out from the highway. Reports are that Russian units are withdrawing as much as 15km, back to better established positions located forward of the main north-south rail line.
In the south, Ukrainian forces have breached a Russian defensive line set up along a canal and have engaged Russian forces in the villages along the same north-south rail line. Advances beyond 5km being reported. there are a substantial number of Ukrainian units identified as operating in the area, including at least one of the new 'assault' brigades.
Immediately in front of Bakhmut, Ukrainian forces look to have advanced right back up to the outskirts of the city and taken anchoring/blocking positions.