Bloody fighting has been going on between the Russian and Ukrainian forces for a long time around the city of Bakhmut in the eastern Donbas region of Ukraine. The Wagner Group, a Russian mercenary group, has claimed control of Bakhmut. But Kiev says the fight is on.
According to reports, the Wagner chief announced the withdrawal of his forces after the handover to the Russian army. Ukraine’s military says Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin wants to flee to avoid a humiliating defeat. That is why he announced his departure, handing over control of Bakhmut to the Russian army.
Prigogine announced on Saturday that his forces had successfully captured the city of Bakhmut.
“We have captured every last centimeter of the territory we promised to capture,” the Wagner boss said on Sunday. We are handing over our position to the Russian Ministry of Defense and we will leave the conflict zone on May 25.’
Serhiy Cherevaty, spokesman for the Eastern Group of Ukraine’s armed forces, said fighting was still ongoing in Bakhmu. Ukrainian troops are making significant gains against Wagner’s forces.
“We wiped out his (Prygozhin’s) very strong team,” said the Ukrainian commander. It is close to destruction.
Commander Cherevati insists Prigozhin hastily demanded control of Bakhmut. With this he intends to leave with the remnants of his depleted army. Cherevaty told Ukrainian media that he (Wagner head) was fleeing to avoid a humiliating defeat. Because, he lost the best employees. In fact the Wagner Group was destroyed.
Source: Al Arabiya
