 Russia's offensive near Bakhmut is likely to weaken. United Kingdom Defence Intelligence believes that the Russian assault near Bakhmut is getting weaker, although the situation remains difficult for the city's defenders. UK Defence Intelligence notes that Ukrainian forces have recently launched a local counterattack west of Bakhmut to reduce Russian pressure on the H-32 supply route. Fighting continues around the town centre and the Ukrainian defence remains at risk from development from the north and south. However, there is a realistic possibility that the Russian assault on the town is losing the limited momentum it had obtained. Partially because some Russian MOD units have been reallocated to other sectors, the UK Ministry of Defence noted. The city of Bakhmut had a pre-war population of around 70,000. It has witnessed heavy fighting, resulting in significant casualties for both Ukrainian and Russian forces since May last year. It has become one of the deadliest battle grounds in what is the largest conventional war since World War II. The fighting in Bakhmut has resulted in an estimated 70,000 casualties from both sides. While overrunning Bakhmut would hold symbolic value for Russia, many experts question the rationale for losing thousands of men and costly ordnance. The Russians justify their strategy by referring to some key regional logistics and transport hubs. Bakhmut would give Russia control over important transportation routes and allow troops and supplies to be moved more easily. For the Ukrainians, although fighting to preserve Bakhmut comes at a high cost, it is explained by the need to mount, do or die resistance over all Ukrainian territory.