Prigozhin says he took Bakhmut, defence ministry denies information

Evgeny Prigozhin, who heads the Russian mercenaries, has reported that the Wagner PMCs have completely taken Bakhmut. At the same time, the Ukrainian Armed Forces deny these statements and claim that battles continue.

We would like to point out that the alleged capture of the Ukrainian town is mentioned in a video message by Prigozhyn, which is published by his press service.

20 May 2023. Today at 12 o'clock Bakhmut was completely "taken"... The operation to "take" Bakhmut lasted 224 days. "The 'Bakhmut meat grinder' began on 8 October 2022," he said.

At the same time, he promised to provide a video of the hanging of tricolours later. He also said that after 25 May he would withdraw his units from the city to rest.

At the same time, Ukrainian Deputy Defence Minister Anna Malyar, said on Telegram that fighting in Bakhmut was continuing.

The situation is critical. At the same time, our troops are holding the defence in the Samolyot area," the deputy minister said.

According to her, Ukrainian defenders control certain industrial and infrastructure facilities in the area and the private sector.

We would like to point out that Pryhozhyn has repeatedly claimed the capture of Bakhmut. But it all turned out to be just throw-ins. The Russians have been trying to seize the town for about 10 months now.