Inside the Battle of Bakhmut – the assault that drove 'Putin's chef' insane: BATTLE BOARD's brilliant analysis breaks down how infamous 'meatgrinder' became one of Ukraine war's bloodiest campaigns

The Battle for Bakhmut was one of the bloodiest battles since the end of the Second World War. 

Around 30,000 Ukrainian troops were forced to face 80,000 Russian troops, largely made up of mercenaries from the infamous Wagner Group, then led by Yevgeny Prigozhin. 

But how was the brutal months-long meatgrinder that saw thousands lose their lives set up? 

In the spring of 2022, Putin‘s army attempted a three-pronged manoeuvre against the well-dug-in Ukrainian forces. 

In an effort to break the Ukrainian army’s grip over the east, Russian resources were thrown into the offensive coming from the captured city of Luhansk. 

Only Bakhmut stood in their way.

In the latest episode of Daily Mail’s Battle Board YouTube videos, Chris Pleasance examines how the Russians’ meatgrinder tactics led to thousands dying in a brutal assault that ultimately led to Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin – know as ‘Putin’s chef’ – turning on the Russian president.

Around 30,000 Ukrainian troops were forced to go toe-to-toe in the city with 80,000 Russian troops