Due to the length of the battle and the heavy losses suffered by both sides, Bakhmut has become a symbol of the struggle between Russians and Ukrainians for control of the Donbass region, which is Moscow’s stated objective.
In recent months, Russian forces have advanced north and south of Bakhmut, cutting off many Ukrainian supply routes and taking control of its eastern part.
On Tuesday, Prigozhin announced that Russian forces had advanced about 160 meters into the town of Bakhmut in different directions, indicating that the forces had imposed control over an area of 53,000 square meters.
Prigozhin said, in statements reported by the Wagner founder’s press service: “Today, Wagner’s forces advanced into the town of Bakhmut for a distance of up to 160 meters in different directions, and our units took control of 53,000 square meters, and 2.7 kilometers remain under enemy control.”
Prigozhin, who repeatedly had disputes with the Russian Defense Ministry, repeated complaints that Moscow was not supplying his forces with enough ammunition and said that as a result Wagner suffered unnecessary heavy casualties.
This is not the first time that Prigozhin has complained about a lack of ammunition, but it is the first time that he has hinted at the possibility of withdrawing from the city, where the fighting is entering the tenth month.
defection and betrayal
Prigozhin has repeatedly criticized senior Russian military leaders in the past, and Chief of Staff Valery Gerasimov and Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, two key figures in Russia, attacked you, which amounted to an escalation .
The leader of the Russian armed group Wagner has accused his country’s general staff of “treason” by refusing, according to him, to deliver equipment to its elements who are on the front line in eastern Ukraine. “The Chief of Staff and the Minister of Defense issue random orders and ask not only not to deliver ammunition to the Wagner group, but also not to help it in the field of air transport,” said Prigozhin in an audio recording released by his media. office on Telegram. He added: “There is a direct confrontation which is an attempt to destroy Wagner. It amounts to betrayal of the fatherland, while Wagner is fighting for Bakhmut and suffering hundreds of casualties every day.”
Read the Latest World News Today on The Eastern Herald.
