- Vladimir Putin has congratulated the Wagner Groups of mercenary fighters and the Russian army today for the “liberation” of the eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut.
- In a statement published on the Kremlin website, the Russian leader said the battle – the longest and bloodiest of the 15-month war – had ended in a Russian victory.
- Volodymyr Zelenskyy has not confirmed the capture by Russian forces of the city, according to his spokesman.
- “Bakhmut is not occupied by Russia as of today,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said to reporters.
- At least eight people were wounded in a Russian air attack overnight on the Dnipropetrovsk region, Ukraine has said.
- The country’s air force said the attack was carried out by 16 different types of missiles and Shahed drones and air defence systems destroyed 20 drones and four cruise missiles.
Vladimir Putin has congratulated the Wagner Groups of mercenary fighters and the Russian army today for what he called the “liberation” of the eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut. In a statement published on the Kremlin website, the Russian leader said the battle – the longest and bloodiest of the 15-month war – had ended in a Russian victory, and that all those who had excelled in it on Moscow’s side would be given state awards.
“The head of state congratulated Wagner’s assault groups, as well as all members of the units of the Russian Armed Forces who provided them with the necessary support and cover on their flanks, on the completion of the operation to liberate Bakhmut]” the statement said. “All those who distinguished themselves will be presented with state awards,” it said.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy has not confirmed the capture by Russian forces of the city, according to his spokesman. Zelenskyy while answering reporters’ questions on this told “Bakhmut is not occupied by Russia as of today” Volodymyr Zelenskyy is taking questions from journalists after his address at the G7. On Russia’s claims it has taken control of the city of Bakhmut in east Ukraine, he says: “I cannot share with you tactical views of our military, of our warriors. “But as of today, I can say that the country which is dozens of times bigger than we are, cannot occupy us, and cannot win in this war.
“Now our people are accomplishing a very important mission. They are now in Bakhmut. I will not share where exactly, but Bakhmut is not occupied by the Russian Federation as of today.” His comments run counter to claims by Vladimir Putin earlier that the battle for the city was over.
The Russian president congratulated Kremlin soldiers and Wagner Group fighters and said they would be given state awards for their bravery.
At least eight people were wounded in a Russian air attack overnight on the Dnipropetrovsk region, Ukraine has said. The country’s air force said the attack was carried out by 16 different types of missiles and Shahed drones. It added that air defence systems destroyed 20 drones and four cruise missiles. Governor Serhiy Lysak said on Telegram that at least one man was wounded in the attack on Dnipro City and seven people were injured in an attack on Synelnykivskyi district of the Dnipropetrovsk region.
(With inputs from agencies)
