The Russian military on Saturday claimed territorial gains on the northern and southern outskirts of Bakhmut in eastern Ukraine, the epicenter of fighting for months and where Moscow's forces have slowly advanced until they control most of it. .
"Wagner's assault units advanced successfully, capturing two blocks on the northern and southern outskirts of the city," the Russian Defense Ministry said on Telegram, reporting "the fiercest fighting" on the front.
The paramilitary group Wagner, led by the sulphurous businessman Evgueni Prigojine, is on the front line in this battle, supported by artillery and army paratroopers.
According to the Russian ministry, Ukrainian troops are "retreating and deliberately destroying infrastructure and residential buildings in the city in order to slow the advance" of Russian forces. "The (Russian) airborne troops hold the enemy back on the flanks and support the actions of the assault groups in capturing the city," he added.
Russia said on Friday it was pushing into western Bakhmout to seize the last part of this largely destroyed city, still under the control of the Ukrainian army.
The day before, she had claimed to block Ukrainian forces in Bakhmout and prevent any reinforcements from entering there, suggesting that this city, where the bloodiest battle since the start of the Russian offensive has been taking place since last summer, was about to fall.
kyiv has denied these claims, saying it continues to supply Ukrainian soldiers in Bakhmut and inflict "mad casualties" on the Russians. AFP could not verify these statements from an independent source.
