"If Bakhmut had been captured when they started their attack in August then it would have been significant.
Michael Kofman, an expert on the Russian military at the U.S.-based CNA think-tank, said Moscow appeared committed to the battle because of resources it had already spent rather than because of "sound strategy".
WAR OF ATTRITIONFor Russia, Bakhmut, which it calls Artyomovsk, the city's Soviet-era name, has long held political value.
Muzyka, the Polish military analyst, said Bakhmut had become a battle of attrition.
It could also boost Prigozhin's political capital in Moscow if he can take some credit for such a victory.