ISW: Ukrainian troops probably preparing to withdraw from Bakhmut
It is assumed that the withdrawal will be controlled.
The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) report states:
The preemptive destruction of bridges likely indicates that Ukrainian forces may be attempting to impede Russian movement in eastern Bakhmut and limit Russia's potential escape routes from Bakhmut to the west.
Geolocation footage released on 3 March confirms that Ukrainian forces blew up two critical bridges near Bakhmut in order to prevent the occupiers from advancing and block one of their escape routes, according to the report.
The analysts also wrote:
Should the Ukrainian military command find it necessary to retreat from Bakhmut, it will, judging by statements and reports on the actions of the Ukrainian military, carry out a limited and controlled withdrawal from particularly difficult sections of eastern Bakhmut.
At the same time, according to the Ukrainian Armed Forces' General Staff, the occupiers in Crimea are afraid of Ukrainian agents and are setting up "volunteer druzhiny". The task of the "druzhiny" will be to identify adjusters and saboteurs.