Russian Ministry of Defense Claims 'Bakhmut Occupation'... Putin Congratulates Completion of Liberation Operation

The Russian Ministry of Defense claimed on the 20th (local time) that it has completely taken control of Bakhmut, the largest battleground in eastern Ukraine.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

While Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was in Japan for the Group of Seven (G7) summit to gain Western support, Russia declared a unilateral victory in Bakhmut, where a prolonged war of attrition had been ongoing.

According to AFP, the Russian Ministry of Defense stated in a press release that day, "With the Wagner Group's offensive operations and the artillery and air support of the Russian military, the liberation of Artemovsk (Bakhmut) has been completed." Russia refers to its invasion of Ukraine in February last year not as a "war" but as a "liberation operation."

This announcement followed claims by Yevgeny Prigozhin, head of the Russian mercenary company Wagner Group, that Bakhmut had been fully captured.

President Vladimir Putin immediately sent a congratulatory message regarding this announcement. The Kremlin issued a statement saying, "President Putin congratulated the Wagner Group assault units and the Russian regular forces for completing the Bakhmut liberation operation."

Ukraine has not issued an official response. However, Serhiy Cherevatyi, spokesperson for the Ukrainian military, denied Prigozhin's claim, stating, "Our troops are still fighting in Bakhmut." It has not been confirmed whether Ukrainian forces have withdrawn from Bakhmut.

Hanna Maliar, Deputy Minister of Defense of Ukraine, wrote on Telegram, "Fierce battles are ongoing in Bakhmut. The situation is serious," but also asserted, "Currently, our defense forces control parts of Bakhmut's industrial and infrastructure facilities."

Bakhmut, located in Donetsk Oblast in eastern Ukraine, has been the site of the longest-running battle since Russia invaded Ukraine in February last year. Wagner Group mercenaries have launched massive offensives over the past 10 months to capture this area. Ukraine has also endured the war of attrition, but over time, it has appeared to be losing ground.