The Russian Defense Ministry said via Telegram that “the Wagner offensive units have advanced successfully, capturing two areas located on the northern and southern outskirts of the city,” referring to “heavier fighting” on the front.
The Wagner Armed Group, led by Yevgeny Prigozhin, is fighting on the front line in this battle, with the support of artillery and military paratroopers.
According to the Russian ministry, the Ukrainian forces are “deliberately retreating and destroying infrastructure and residential buildings in the city in order to slow down the advance” of the Russian forces.
She added, “The (Russian) airborne forces (…) support the movements of the offensive groups to seize the city.”
On Friday, Russia announced that it was pushing towards western Bakhmut to control the last part of the largely destroyed city, which is still under the control of the Ukrainian army.
This came after Moscow reported Thursday that it had surrounded the Ukrainian forces in Bakhmut and prevented any reinforcements from entering, noting that this city, which has witnessed the bloodiest battles since last summer, is about to fall.
However, Kiev denied this, confirming the continuation of supplying Ukrainian soldiers in Bakhmut and inflicting losses on the Russians.
Agence France-Presse has not been able to independently verify these statements.
