Russia's Shoigu says capture of Ukraine's Bakhmut will allow more offensives

Russia's Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu chairs a meeting during what the defence ministry said to be an inspection of a forward command post of Russian armed forces deployed in Ukraine, at an unknown location in the course of Russia-Ukraine conflict, in this handout image published March 4, 2023. Russian Defence Ministry/Handout via REUTERS

(Reuters) -Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said on Tuesday that the seizure of Bakhmut in eastern Ukraine was critical to punching a hole in Ukrainian defences and would allow Moscow's forces to mount further offensive operations deeper inside the country.

Russian forces have been waging an intense campaign for months to seize control of the small city in what would become their first significant territorial advance since last summer.