The battle for Bakhmut, one of the bloodiest and longest of the Russia-Ukraine war, has taken a new turn as the Wagner paramilitary group, led by Yevgeny Prigozhin, claimed to have captured the city. Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated the group, but Ukraine’s deputy defense minister quickly rejected the claim while acknowledging the critical situation in the city. Bakhmut, of little strategic value to Moscow, has witnessed intense fighting since August, resulting in heavy casualties for both sides. This latest assertion by Wagner adds to the ongoing complexity and devastation of the conflict.
Prigozhin, a close ally of Putin, has previously made similar claims about Bakhmut, only to be refuted by Ukrainian authorities. In his recent video, he confidently proclaimed control over the city and pledged to hand it over to regular Russian troops soon. However, explosions heard in the background suggest that fighting continues nearby, if not within Bakhmut itself. The situation remains fluid, and Western officials estimate that tens of thousands of Russian troops have been killed or wounded in the battle, with significant losses on the Ukrainian side as well.
As this latest development unfolds, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is attending a G7 meeting in Japan, where Western allies have pledged increased support for Ukraine and imposed additional sanctions on Russia. Zelensky has referred to Bakhmut as a symbol of Ukrainian morale and hopes that the prolonged battle has weakened Russia’s offensive capabilities and depleted its forces and resources. The conflict between Russia and Ukraine shows no signs of abating, and the fate of Bakhmut remains uncertain amid conflicting claims and ongoing violence.
Source:BBC
