Now, let's see what Mercouris (apparently a new smear target is acquired, I wonder what's caused this after a year?) actually said
time 3:30
... a report that Ukraine has blown up a bridge which allegedly links the center of Bakhmut city with it's eastern section. I have seen satellite photos which appear to show this as having happened. Now, I presume that this is the case. I'm not an expert in analysing satellite photos, and of course I have to take the word of the Telegraph channel ... that it is indeed at Bakhmut City. (It's pretty reliable the Telegraph channel).
If it is indeed the case, then it would suggest to me that the Ukrainians have decided that defending the eastern part of Bakhmut city is no longer possible and that they're now withdrawing to try to hold the central areas and the western parts. Now, that would mean that the fighting has now actually reached the central areas of Bakhmut city. Which is, to be clear, further in advance of what I myself have understood to be the case. So I mention all this in a rather tentative way, we will see whether or not this is true. The satellite pictures are there. I have no reason to doubt them. I presume that they are accurate.
Note that the H-32 Bridge was destroyed around the time of the video.
He also spends a few mins talking about general Russian strategy, which seems has occured:
Russia seems to be letting Ukraine continue with it's attacks in various directions.
They seem to be calculating that the Ukrainian counteroffensive is dispersing over too many areas.
US apparently advised AFU to focus it's offensive on one place.
Instead AFU have launched offensives all along the front line. Seems to be spending itself.
Russians seem to be calculating that they should hunker down (except in Bakhmut) and let Ukraine continue to suffer the heavy losses in men and material, continue to deplete reserves.
