ISW reveals what is behind Prigozhin's threats to withdraw Wagner PMC from Bakhmut

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reported this. 

American analysts point out that the day before, Prigozhin threatened to withdraw his forces from Bakhmut, Donetsk region, if the military command did not provide more ammunition.

“If the shortage of ammunition is not replenished, we will be forced to withdraw in an organized manner, so as not to run like cowardly rats later, or to leave or be left to die. Most likely, we will have to withdraw some units from this area,” Prigozhin said.

The ISW believes that Prigozhin is thus continuing his attempts to convince the Kremlin to move to defense in eastern Ukraine. In the same interview, the founder of the Wagner PMC suggested that a Ukrainian counteroffensive could begin by May 15. In his opinion, the Russian military is in no hurry to prepare to repel the attack.

According to ISW, Prigozhin's threat to withdraw from Bakhmut may indicate that he considers Russian positions in the city to be vulnerable. 

• On April 29, Yevgeny Prigozhin said that the Wagner PMC may soon cease to exist.