Bakhmut: The Key Battleground Testing Ukraine's Defenses

Ukrainian forces are facing intensifying Russian attacks north of Bakhmut, with small gains by the Russians around Kreminna coming at a high cost. The Ukrainian battalion defending the front fears the risk of encirclement and expects a Ukrainian counter-offensive in April. While Moscow hopes to produce a breakthrough, some analysts doubt its ability to carry it out given the difficulty Russia has had in conquering Bakhmut. The war has ground to a virtual halt, with Russia making only incremental gains.