Russian and Ukranian forces are locked in a fierce battle over the salt mining city of Soledar in jap Ukraine, simply six miles from the strategic metropolis of Bakhmut.
Russia mentioned Wednesday that its models had blocked the city from the north and south, whereas “assault models are combating within the metropolis.” Russia’s mercenary Wagner Group, in the meantime, mentioned its models had seized management of the city. Ukrainian officers dismissed the declare, calling it propaganda.
“Heavy combating continues in Soledar,” Ukrainian Deputy Protection Minister Hanna Malyar mentioned in a Telegram publish. “After struggling losses, the enemy as soon as once more carried out alternative of its models, elevated the variety of Wagnerites, tried to interrupt by way of the protection of our troops and absolutely seize the town, however was unsuccessful.”
The seize of Soledar would mark a symbolic victory for Russia, which has confronted a lot of battlefield setbacks, though analysts have downplayed its strategic significance.
Right here’s the newest on the conflict and its ripple results throughout the globe.
4. From our correspondents
The convicts have been apparently despatched to among the most harmful scorching spots on the entrance line, and lots of have been killed, The Washington Submit’s Mary Ilyushina reviews. About two dozen of them, initially recruited by the Wagner mercenary group in circumvention of Russian legislation, have now returned house however will in all probability return to the entrance in a matter of weeks, based on Russia Behind Bars, a prisoners’ rights group.
