Ukrainian Military Reports Russians In Bakhmut "Semi-Encircled"

The noose is tightening as Ukrainian forces advance both north and south of Bakhmut. JL 

Alexander Khrebet reports in the Kyiv Indpendent:

Land Forces Commander, Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi (said) on July 20 that Russian forces in Bakhmut have been semi-encircled as Ukraine created conditions to reclaim the city. "At the moment, the deployment of Russian troops resembles an arch, concentrated in Bakhmut. And they are under semi-encirclement. Well, it's impossible not to take advantage of that."

Key developments on July 20:

• Syrskyi: Russian forces in Bakhmut 'semi-encircled'
• Washington Post: Ukraine deploys US-provided cluster munitions
• Defense Ministry: Vessels heading to Russia-controlled Black Sea ports to be considered military targets
• UK Defense Ministry: Russia's Black Sea blockade at risk from Ukrainian surface drones, missiles
• Russian strike against Mykolaiv injures 19
• EU sanctions Iran to prevent drone components export.

Land Forces Commander, Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi, told the BBC on July 20 that Russian forces in Bakhmut have been semi-encircled as Ukraine created conditions to reclaim the city.

"At the moment, the deployment of Russian troops resembles an arch, concentrated in Bakhmut. And they are under semi-encirclement. Well, it's impossible not to take advantage of that," said Syrskyi.

According to the commander, recapturing Bakhmut would have a significant strategic value, as the city serves as a transport hub, allowing Russian forces further advances.

Syrsky hasn’t provided the timeframe for reclaiming Bakhmut, but vowed it will be attempted as soon as possible.

The Bakhmut area is among others where Ukrainian forces are conducting counteroffensive operations. Ukrainian troops have been advancing along the northern and southern flanks of the city, which has been occupied since late May.

Meanwhile, the Washington Post reported on July 20, citing Ukrainian officials, that Ukrainian forces are already using U.S.-provided cluster munitions on the battlefield against Russian troops.

Cluster munitions were used against Russian trenches near Bakhmut, according to the report.

The U.S. announced the delivery of these munitions to Ukraine on July 7, with Ukrainian military confirming it received the first shipments on July 13.