I hope Ukr do not consider Bakhmut as "sacred ground, made sacred by sacrifice". This was the mistake at Ypres and Verdun in the Great War.
Better to do an organised Gallipoli withdrawal at night using their superior int. and night vision, mines, claymores, fougasses, boody traps, and then allow the Orcs on to the killing ground, and swamp with HIMARS and artillery.
But first get even the most stubborn and fragile civilian away, if not already done.
Thus both sides cloud claim a local victory, but there would only be one winner.