THE BATTLE OF BAKHMUT (2022—2023)

The Battle of Bakhmut (2022–2023) was one of the longest, bloodiest, and most consequential confrontations of the 21st century. Over a span of nearly ten months, this Ukrainian industrial city turned into the epicenter of a relentless war of attrition. This well-researched military-historical essay, authored by experts from the Central Research Institute of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, provides the first comprehensive scientific analysis of this historic operation. The book sheds light on the strategic decisions of the Ukrainian command as well as the ruthless tactics of the enemy, who attempted to capture the city using „ human waves“ and a massive deployment of convicts recruited by the Wagner Group. For the attacker, Bakhmut became a strategic dead end that consumed its elite resources and ultimately triggered profound internal conflicts within the Russian command. With precise documentation, archival materials, and exclusive eyewitness testimonies, this work describes how the Ukrainian army, through „active defense,“ gained crucial time to secure international support and prepare its own counteroffensives. An indispensable reference work for professionals in the fields of military history, national security, and defense, as well as for a broad audience seeking to understand the dynamics of modern warfare.