Prigozhin says Wagner starts withdrawing troops from Bakhmut 

Prigozhin's press service said in a statement.

According to him, Wagner's men are taking a break and then will receive a "new task."

"We are withdrawing units from Bakhmut. It is 5 am, May 25. By June 1, most of them will be relocated to camps. We are handing over the positions to the military. Ammunition, positions, everything, including dry rations. But if it is difficult for the military, of course, we will leave those who played a major role in the capture of Bakhmut," Prigozhin said on camera.

Previously, Prigozhin had repeatedly threatened to withdraw troops from the city, referring to a disagreement with the Russian military and defense ministry over the supply of ammunition. 

The Ukrainian authorities’ response

Ukraine’s Deputy Minister of Defense Hanna Maliar confirmed the beginning of the withdrawal of Wagner fighters from Bakhmut.

"In the suburbs of Bakhmut, the enemy has replaced Wagner units with regular army units. At the moment, Wagner mercenaries remain in the city of Bakhmut," she wrote.

"Our troops control the city's outskirts in the southwestern part of the Litak district,” the official added.

• Earlier, Prygozhyn recognized the deaths of 20 thousand Wagnerites in the battles for Bakhmut.