Kyiv Says Russian Forces Ease Attacks on Bakhmut to Regroup

A Ukrainian service member prepares to fire a mortar at his positions at a front line near the city of Bakhmut in Donetsk region, Ukraine, on May 18, 2023. Sofiia Gatilova/Reuters

KYIV—Russian forces have temporarily eased their attacks on the besieged eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut to regroup and strengthen their capabilities, a senior Kyiv official said on Saturday.

Russia’s Wagner private army began handing over its positions to regular Russian troops this week after declaring full control of Bakhmut following the longest and bloodiest battle of the war.