The Russian military on Saturday (April 15th) claimed territorial gains on the northern and southern outskirts of Bakhmout in eastern Ukraine, the epicenter of fighting for months and where Moscow's forces have slowly advanced until they control the area. major part.
"
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 "
heaviest fighting
" on the front.
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The paramilitary group Wagner, led by the sulphurous businessman Evguéni 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.
'Mad losses'
“
The (Russian) airborne troops hold the enemy back on the flanks and support the actions of the assault groups in taking 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.
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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.
Kiev has denied these claims, claiming to continue to supply Ukrainian soldiers in Bakhmout and to inflict "
mad losses
" on the Russians.
AFP could not verify these statements from an independent source.