Bakhamut is strategically important to both sides, with Russians calling it a fallen fortress. Ukrainians fear that it will open the way for Russians to advance into other cities in the Donetsk region.
The city is located at the crossroads of two international roads connecting it to the rest of Donetsk. Some observers say the current outcome of the Battle of Bachmut is not even right to treat as a turning point, and it is too early to talk about victory or loss. The fall of Pakhmut, regardless of Ukrainian denials, will put Kiev in front of new calculations and may affect the course of the war.