KIEV – Ukraine’s forces say they will not back down as Russia steps up its bid to capture the eastern city of Bahmut. Earlier reports suggested that Ukrainian fighters might end their resistance in the face of a Russian victory in Bahmut.
It is also reported that the Wagner paramilitary company, formed by billionaire Yevgeny Prigoshin, a friend of Russian President Vladimir Putin, is not providing any weapons necessary for the fight in Bahmut. Prigoshin accused the ‘Wagnersena’ of being barred from contacting military headquarters and that it was a betrayal. On February 22, the Russian military leadership had signed an agreement to deliver the necessary weapons to Bahmut. Not all weapons have arrived yet.
Prigosh’s private army is made up of thousands of recruits from prisons in Russia. If this army, which has been fighting for six months to conquer Bahmut, falls, it is an advantage for Ukraine. Ukraine’s military leadership says Russia’s advance has been halted by an arms shortage. The US is of the view that even if this city is captured by Russia, it cannot be considered a Russian war victory.
English Summary: Russia’s Wagner boss suggests ‘betrayal’ in Bakhmut battle