Factbox-Why Russia is targeting the Ukrainian town of Soledar

FILE PHOTO: Ukrainian members of the military fire an anti-aircraft weapon, as Russia's attack on Ukraine continues, in the frontline city of Bakhmut, Ukraine, January 10, 2023. REUTERS/Clodagh Kilcoyne

KYIV (Reuters) - Russian and Ukrainian forces were engaged in intense fighting on Wednesday over the town of Soledar in eastern Ukraine - a stepping stone in Moscow's push to capture the entire Donbas region - with the Russians appearing to have the upper hand.

Moscow's capture of Soledar and its salt mines would have symbolic, military and commercial value for Russia. Here is a look at why.