Moscow said today that Russian forces were “blocking” Ukrainian forces from getting in or out of the frontline hotspot of Bakhmut, a claim Ukraine denies.
The head of the Russian mercenary group Wagner, which has spearheaded much of the fighting for the city, said it was “too early” to say Bakhmut was surrounded.
Sergiy Cherevaty, spokesman for Ukraine’s eastern forces told AFP that Russia’s claim “does not correspond to reality”.
He said Ukrainian forces were able to “deliver provisions, ammunition, and medicines” and take out wounded troops.
However, the Russian defence ministry said in a statement: “Airborne troops are providing support to advancing assault troops, blocking the transfer of Ukrainian army reserves to the city and the possibility of retreat for enemy units.”
The statement said “Wagner assault units were continuing high-intensity combat operations to oust the enemy from the central quarters” of the city in eastern Ukraine.
Recent days appear to have pointed towards gains in Bakhmut for Moscow, with several Russian correspondents publishing images from inside the city.
The Russian-installed head of the eastern Ukrainian region of Donetsk, Denis Pushilin, also made a trip to Bakhmut this week.
Bakhmut had a population of 70,000 people before Moscow launched its offensive.
Both Russia and Ukraine are believed to have suffered huge losses in the battle, despite analysts saying the city has little strategic value.
