Leopard tanks. Photos/Illustrations
However, Prigozhin noted, the timing is difficult to predict as Kiev continues to receive military aid from Western countries. He added that the delivery of Western military equipment, such as the German-made Leopard main battle tank, could be an important factor in the operation.
Nevertheless, the head of the Wagner Group said they would 100% learn how to destroy the Leopard tanks and 100% would learn how to burn them.
Prigozhin also spoke about why Kiev was so adamant about keeping Bakhmut. According to him there are three main reasons.
Read: Russia Prepares for Massive Air Fight, NATO Helter-skelter Strengthens Ukraine
The first reason, says Prigozhin, is political, because the battle for Bakhmut has now essentially become the new Stalingrad – the city where the most brutal fighting between Soviet and Nazi troops took place during World War II, and which proved to be a turning point in the war.
He said Bakhmut was now seeing a large amount of artillery fire.
“At Popasnaya, if you stretch out your hand, in just 30-40 seconds, you will be hit by shrapnel,” he was quoted as saying. RTThursday (16/2/2023).
He added, in Bakhmut, the intensity of artillery fire was 2 to 3 times higher.