Brief update.
At least two Russian Ka-52 gunships shot down on the Southern front. Video confirmation of one of those came from Russian sources and was filmed by another Ka-52.
Confirmed (video) shoot down of a Russian Su-25 on the Eastern front.
At least four, possibly six of the new Ukrainian brigades have appeared at or near the front lines in widely separated locations. I'll try to update on those in later post.
Some other notes...
The Russian FSB knew about Wagner's planned march at least 48hrs before it began and had tapped most of Prigozhin's comms channels. I suspect that Russian GRU knew much earlier (the reason why all of the Russian ABN formations suddenly found themselves back in the front line with blocking forces behind them).
Apparently CIA, NSA, and Mi-6 also had at least some foreknowledge of the march.
CoSo knew because I posted about it here 72hrs before the event.
Seeing reports that Ukrainian forces managed to encircle and destroy an entire Russian Elite VDV regiment in Klishchiivka (south of Bakhmut).
Absolutely no confirmation.
Furthermore all of the Russian airborne (VDV) forces in the Bakhmut region are north of the city except for 11th Guards Air Assault brigade east of the city. 11th Guards does not have a regimental order of battle. It has two infantry battalions and some support units.
I find this rumor to be doubtful, but not impossible.
New reports suggesting that it was a single company (150 men or less) of Russian ABN that surrendered.
Possibly thrown into the line as reinforcements for the rapidly collapsing Russian 72nd Motor Rifle brigade which is or was holding that part of the line south of Bakhmut.
Far more reliable sources are now confirming that it was a single company (so far).
@jurban The T-0504 to the E40/M06 is the MSR from Popsana. Most of which is outside of gun artillery range (for now).
Ukrainian 10th Mountain brigade holds the northern side of the Bakhmut bulge. One of their three battalions is responsible for shooting down an Su-25 yesterday. 10th Mountain is a little bit overstretched holding that much line.
Opytne south of Bakhmut is still pretty well defended, for now. Could be 3 or 4 more Bite-n-Hold ops before they get there.