Wagner mercenary group leader claims control of Ukrainian city, Bakhmut

This city has been the site of the longest and bloodiest battle in the ongoing war. However, independent verification of Prigozhin's claim is currently unavailable.

In a video appearance dressed in combat fatigues, Prigozhin stood before a line of fighters holding Russian flags and Wagner banners.

He announced that Bakhmut had been completely captured, emphasizing the capture of every house in the city.

Prigozhin further stated that his forces would withdraw from Bakhmut starting May 25 to rest and undergo training, passing control over to the regular Russian army.

During Prigozhin's video statement, distant explosions could be heard in the background.

This assertion comes after he previously threatened to withdraw his troops and publicly criticized Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and Chief of Staff Valery Gerasimov, blaming them for the unnecessary deaths of soldiers.

The claim of victory follows intense fighting around Bakhmut over the past week, during which Ukraine claimed to have pushed back some Russian forces. (ILKHA)