Defence › Intelligence UPDATE ON UKRAINE 3 December 2022 INTELLIGENCE UPDATE • Russian forces continue to invest a large element of their overall military effort and firepower along an approximately 15km long sector of entrenched front line around the Donetsk Oblast town of Bakhmut. • Russia's plan is likely to encircle the town with tactical advances to the north and of the boggy ground around the minor Bakhmutka River. • Russia has prioritised Bakhmut as its main offensive effort since early August 2022. The capture of the town would have limited operational value although if would these possible gains. There is a realistic possibility that Bakhmut's capture has become primarily a symbolic, political objective for Russia.