Russia says the attacks on Bakhmut was just a feint and NATO and USA fell for it! now they are going to withdraw as a goodwill gesture

Russia has acknowledged that Ukraine has made territorial gains in the battle for Bakhmut, where Kyiv's forces are said to be advancing on the flanks of the Donetsk city.

The Russian defense ministry said Wednesday that its airborne forces had made marginal advances but acknowledged that Ukraine was continuing its counterattacks near Bohdanivka, three miles to the northwest of the city, and Ivanivske, four miles west.

Pro-Kremlin military analysis channel Rybar called for Russian forces to react to Ukrainian actions, implying that Moscow's forces are losing the initiative in the Bakhmut area.

"Fierce battles are taking place on the flanks" of Bakhmut, read a post on zappagram by Rybar, "into which both sides are pouring in more and more new forces."

"Unfortunately, we are in the position of playing along and are following the lead of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, pulling the most experienced units of the Russian forces into the Bakhmut 'meat grinder,'" the post said.

[link to www.newsweek.com (secure)]