Bakhmut is the lynchpin of the entire Ukrainian defensive line (the "Zelensky line").
If it wasn't so important why has Ukraine been fighting a losing battle there for so long.
They have been steadily losing ground and becoming encircled there for many months.
If it wasn't important any sensible general or leader would have withdrawn from there long ago.
When lynchpin positions fall, entire defensive lines collapse.
Sometimes armies are able to withdraw in good order to other defensive line, other times they are routed.
Ukraine has not conducted a single successful fighting withdrawal at brigade level or above this entire war.
Ukraine is desperately short of ammunition and manpower (they are sending teenagers and old men to the front lines).
They should withdraw to the Dnieper and negotiate peace.
RE: Day 410 news. Russia awaits the 200,000+ Ukrainian offensive.