Ukrainian Armed Forces prepare offensive near Bakhmut to surround Wagner units: Prigozhin asks for help

On March 20, Prigozhin wrote a letter to Shoigu and posted it on social media.

"According to available information, in late March - early April, the Ukrainian enemy plans to launch a large-scale offensive and launch flank attacks to cut off Wagner PMC units from the main forces of the Russian Armed Forces. I ask you to take all necessary measures to prevent the Wagner PMC from being cut off from the main forces of the Russian Armed Forces, which will lead to negative consequences for the special military operation," the letter reads.

Prigozhin also wrote that the private attachment to the letter contained details of the "enemy's plan" and a "proposal for counteraction."

Putin's chef also boasted that Wagner PMC's units allegedly control about 70% of Bakhmut and "continue the offensive to completely liberate it."

• Experts note that thanks to the skillful leadership and dedicated work of each soldier, the Russian occupiers are able to carry out assault operations near Bakhmut only in small locations.

• On March 20, the Ukrainian Defense Ministry announced the names of the Bakhmut defense commanders.