MOSCOW/KYIV: The head of Russia’s Wagner mercenary group, Yevgeny Prigozhin, announced on Saturday the alleged complete capture of the eastern Ukrainian town of Bakhmut, which has been the site of intense fighting during Moscow’s offensive.
In a video posted on Telegram, Prigozhin claimed that Bakhmut had been taken entirely, with fighters holding the Russian flag amidst the ruins.
However, Ukraine’s military promptly denied the report, stating that their troops were still engaged in fighting in Bakhmut and had not lost control of the city.
Military spokesperson Serhiy Cherevatyi dismissed the claim made by the head of the Wagner mercenary group, emphasizing that Ukrainian units were actively battling in Bakhmut.
The conflicting reports indicate a divergence in narratives regarding the situation on the ground.
According to Ukraine, its forces repelled a series of Russian attacks in and around Bakhmut while making territorial gains in certain areas.
Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Malyar stated on her Telegram channel that Ukraine’s troops had advanced approximately 500 meters in the north and up to one kilometer in some southern areas.
Malyar also stressed that the defense of Bakhmut and its outskirts was fulfilling its military objectives, asserting control over the southwestern part of the city.
Ukraine determines to push forward in Bakhmut
In response to Ukraine’s claims, Prigozhin, in an audio recording on his Telegram channel, insisted that his forces had made progress of up to 400 meters in Bakhmut and were determined to push forward until the city was fully under their control.
The conflicting statements reflect the volatile and uncertain situation on the ground.
The intensification of fighting in Bakhmut comes as tensions remain high between Russia and Ukraine. The ongoing conflict has caused significant casualties and displacement, and efforts to reach a peaceful resolution have so far been unsuccessful.
