Ukraine’s defense ministry comments on Russian claims on Bakhmut capture

The Deputy Minister of Defense Hanna Maliar said this during a telethon.

Russians' claims of alleged "full control" over Bakhmut in Donetsk region are not true.

"There is some progress, it is clear and understandable. At the same time, this is the style of the Russians, they always have a false start - they always give out wishful thinking and announce the goals they would like to achieve earlier. In fact, it often turns out that they do not achieve them," Maliar said.

According to the official, the Ukrainian Armed Forces currently control the southwestern part of Bakhmut. Fighting also continues in Maryinka and Avdiivka.

"If we analyze the fighting for Bakhmut, which has been going on since last August, they have not been able to advance since last August. If they advance a kilometer in the city in almost a year, it can be called standing still," said the Deputy Defense Minister.

She noted that the Armed Forces of Ukraine have accomplished a number of tasks in the Bakhmut sector, including destroying Wagner's professional staff, reducing the offensive potential of the Russian forces, and stopping the enemy's advance deep into the territory of Ukraine.

• Wagner's PMC financier Yevhen Prigozhin admitted that his mercenaries could not surround the Ukrainian Defense Forces in Bakhmut due to the loss of stable flanks to the north and south of the city.