Ukrainian forces poised to retake Bakhmut after Wagner Group departure.

Ukrainian forces may have an opportunity to retake Bakhmut as Wagner Group mercenaries evacuate and are replaced by regular Russian troops, leaving openings for a Ukraine offensive. It's unclear if retaking Bakhmut will be a priority for Kyiv's long-awaited counteroffensive, but Ukrainian officials assert that their forces are still active in the city limits and can continue to make gains. The attrition-style fighting of Bakhmut has left Russian forces exhausted ahead of Ukraine's counteroffensive.