If the claim is true, it would mean Russian forces control nearly half the city in their costly push to secure their first big victory in several months.
Ukrainian defenders remained defiant, however. Last week they appeared to be preparing for a tactical retreat from Bakhmut, but military and political leaders are now speaking of hanging on to positions and inflicting as many casualties as possible on the Russian assault force.
Wagner head Yevgeny Prigozhin said his fighters, who have been spearheading the Russian campaign to seize Bakhmut, had now captured the city's east. Ukrainian military statements said earlier there may be"conditions" in Bakhmut for a Ukrainian offensive. Luhansk Governor Serhiy Haidai said in comments on Ukrainian television that Russia's strategy in east Ukraine remained the same - to take the remaining areas of Donetsk and Luhansk that it does not control.
A Ukrainian military drone showed the scale of destruction in Bakhmut, filming apartment blocks on fire and smoke billowing from residential areas. The Ukrainian General Staff also said Russian forces made more than 30 unsuccessful attacks over the past day near Orikhovo-Vasylivka alone, 20 km northwest of Bakhmut. They shelled the areas around 10 settlements along the Bakhmut section of the front line, it said.In Stockholm, EU defence ministers were meeting to discuss further arms supplies to Kyiv.
Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Russia’s Wagner claim to hold ‘eastern part’ of BakhmutRussia’s Wagner claim to hold ‘eastern part’ of Bakhmut FMTNews FMTWorld
Read more »
Russia’s Wagner claim control of ‘eastern part’ of BakhmutRussia’s Wagner claim control of ‘eastern part’ of Bakhmut FMTNews FMTWorld
Read more »
Ukraine vows not to give up on Bakhmut amid constant Russian attacksKYIV, March 7 ― Ukraine's top military commanders have vowed to keep defending the besieged city of Bakhmut, where Russia is hoping to make its first major wartime gain...
Read more »
Ukraine military backs ‘strengthening’ Bakhmut defenceBakhmut has become the bloodiest and longest-running battle of Russia's year-long campaign in Ukraine. theSun theSundaily conflict military Bakhmut UkraineRussianWar
Read more »
Zelensky: Russia would get ‘open road’ into Ukraine if Bakhmut fallsKYIV, March 8 — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the Russian army would have an “open road” into eastern Ukraine if it captures the besieged city of Bakhmut, US...
Read more »