Latest Developments
- Ukraine’s navy says Bakhmut remains to be contested following Russian claims of victory there
- Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with G7 leaders
- U.S. President Joe Biden introduced $375 million in further support to Ukraine. “A package that includes more ammunition artillery, armored vehicles to bolster Ukraine’s battlefield abilities,” he mentioned.
Russia claimed victory in Bakhmut, although Ukrainian officers mentioned combating for the devastated japanese Ukrainian metropolis was persevering with.
The declare from Russia’s Defense Ministry, in addition to the top of the Wagner mercenary group, was adopted by a congratulatory assertion from Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Ukrainian commanders shortly pushed again on the Russian declarations, with the commander of the nation’s floor forces asserting that town was nonetheless contested.
Zelenskyy Addresses G7 as Leaders Increase Pressure on Russia
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, talking throughout a go to to Japan on Sunday, initially appeared to substantiate the lack of Bakhmut, however his press service later mentioned his remarks had been misinterpreted and that he was, actually, responding to a query about whether or not Russia managed town.
‘I believe no,’ Zelenskiy mentioned, talking in English.
“But you have to understand that there is nothing. They destroyed everything,” he mentioned, referring to Russian forces. “There are no buildings. It’s a pity. It’s a tragedy. But for today, Bakhmut is only in our hearts. There is nothing in this place.”
The claims come as Ukraine has reportedly made tangible battlefield advances in districts north and south of Bakhmut, which has been all however obliterated throughout a virtually 10-month push by Russian forces, with Wagner troopers taking part in a significant position.
It additionally comes as Ukraine prepares for a extensively anticipated counteroffensive that’s anticipated to happen in a number of places throughout the greater than 1,000-kilometer entrance line, stretching from the Luhansk area within the northeast all the best way to the mouth of the Dnieper River, close to Kherson, within the southwest.