Ukrainian units began to withdraw troops from Soledar.

CNN journalists said that they witnessed how Ukrainian units began to withdraw their units from Soledar. As it turned out, until recently, there were very significant forces of the Ukrainian army here, which maintained a presence here, probably waiting for an order either to carry out counterattacks or to organize a retreat in the direction of Bakhmut. This indicates that transport links between Bakhmut and Soledar are still possible.

A CNN team near Soledar reported continued mortar and rocket fire on Friday afternoon after Russia took control of the city in eastern Ukraine. The team, located about 2,5 miles (about 4 km) from Soledar, witnessed Ukrainian forces ferrying troops on Friday afternoon in what appeared to be an organized retreat from the city. There was no panic among the retreating Ukrainian troops”, according to CNN reporters.

Given the retreat of the Ukrainian army from Soledar, the likelihood that the Ukrainian Armed Forces will try to launch a counterattack is practically zero. At the same time, large forces of the Ukrainian army can concentrate in Bakhmut - this settlement has a much more serious defense. This indicates that the Armed Forces of Ukraine are trying to prevent the implementation of a scenario similar to Soledar.