Where is Bakhmut?

March 5, 2023

Bakhmut, a city in eastern Ukraine, previously known as Artemivsk or Artyomovsk, is the administrative centre of Bakhmut Raion in Donetsk Oblast. Located on the Bakhmutka River, it is situated about 89 kilometres north of Donetsk.

Why is Bakhmut in news?

The Ukrainian military is planning a strategic pull-back from Bakhmut, which was an important stronghold for Ukraine. Russia is currently involved in a months-long offensive to capture this city. Bakhmut, though strategically and industrially not important, its annexation creates symbolic significance for Russia. It is a key transport hub and has numerous supply lines running through it. This eastern city is noted for its salt mining activity.

Key Facts about Bakhmut

Bakhmut is the capital of Slavo-Serbia. Slavo-Serbia belonged to Imperial Russia from 1753-1764. The region is located between the Bakhmutka River and the Luhan River. Also, the river Donets flows through this region. It is under the control of Ukraine now.

What happened to Bakhmut during the Ukraine war?

When Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, Bakhmut was burnt to ruins according to Ukraine Government. The population of the region was reduced by 97%. As of February 2023, the Ukraine military forces had control over the region. It was the epicentre of fierce fighting between the countries.

A controlled fighting withdrawal

The western countries supporting Ukraine call the pullback as the “Controlled fighting Withdrawal”. According to them, this was done to save the rest of the Ukraine forces and redeploy.

What has Russia gained so far?

With the invasion, Russia has established a land bridge between its land and Crimea (which was annexed in 2014). Russia wants Ukraine because the country is becoming more westernised. Russian president Vladimir Putin wants to re-establish Russian control in the country. The western world is trying to stop Russia by imposing sanctions and supplying arms and weapons to Ukraine. But Russia is persistent and not stopping.

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