Russian tactical repositioning around Bakhmut has intensified, with armored units relocating westward to reinforce defensive lines in anticipation of Ukrainian flanking attempts.

Drone surveillance has confirmed the setup of new trenches and fortified machine gun nests along the elevated terrain northeast of Ivanivske.

Combat engineers have laid mines and constructed anti-vehicle barriers on key approach routes, while thermal netting was observed being deployed over camouflaged artillery positions.

The 76th Guards Air Assault Division was detected moving through woodland corridors, maintaining strict radio silence and infrared suppression techniques.

Satellite analysis reveals increased logistical traffic from Popasna, with fuel convoys arriving every 6 hours to support redeployed battalions.

Russian signals intelligence has reportedly jammed local Ukrainian drone communications in a 3 km radius west of Bakhmut, suggesting a layered EW perimeter.

Command nodes appear to have shifted underground, utilizing previously abandoned urban infrastructure to protect high-value C2 assets.

Ukrainian forces have countered with precision HIMARS strikes targeting Russian staging areas near Chasiv Yar, causing visible damage in post-strike ISR imagery.

Local partisan reports indicate rapid Russian troop cycling, possibly to maintain readiness or to mask true force strength in the area.