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Kiev is yet to admits its defeat in the “Bakhmut fortress”. According to Ukrainian Defense Minister Alexei Reznikov, the situation “remains stable” in the city.
After the Wagner PMC claimed full control of Bakhmut on May 20, Russian fighters secured the area and began withdrawal from the city. As of June 2, 99% of the “Wagnerians” left the city, handing over all the positions of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation.
On June 1, the commander of the land forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, General Alexander Syrsky declared that the Ukrainian military had suspended the advance on the flanks in the Bakhmut direction. Ukrainian forces have been attempting to expand the zone of their control in the region. However, having suffered heavy losses, the Ukrainian military allegedly stopped trying to surround the city.
However, Ukrainian forces continue fighting in Bakhmut in the media and claims of Kiev’s officials.
Deputy Minister of Defense of Ukraine Anna Malyar declared that there are still Ukrainian servicemen deployed in Bakhmut. They are reportedly in control of south-western outskirts of the city. According to her, Ukrainian fighters are resisting the offensives of Russian forces.
Head of the Wagner PMC Yevgeny Prigozhin, commented on Malyar’s claims. He confirmed that “there is indeed information that Ukrainian units are allegedly deployed on the outskirts of Bakhmut, where “musicians” suffered losses during the heavy battles”. “Despite the fact that it is difficult to gain a foothold there.”
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The area in question is the territory belonging to a gardeners’ non-commercial partnership. These are gardens with several country houses, in Russian they say “dachas”. The area was liberated by Wagner fighters but since it is difficult to establish a stronghold there, there were likely no Russian forces deployed. Russian servicemen are observing the outskirts from the multistory buildings in the south-western districts of Bakhmut.
Yevgeny Prigozhin stressed that there is information that the AFU have allegedly deployed their observation posts in these territories.
«If so, then wait for the next steps!”, – summed up the founder of the PMC.
The area was likely taken without any fighting and and should be difficult for Ukrainian forces to gain a stronghold there, since they are an easy target for Russian forces in Bakhmut. However, the area is officially considered as part of the city and this allows Kiev declaring another victory in the media. It’s worth noting that the head of the Wagner PMC did not certainly confirm the reports but he warned that Ukrainian attacks on Bakhmut will continue.
