MOSCOW
Monday, the Wagner paramilitary organization in Russia said that it had "in a legal sense" taken the town of Bakhmut in eastern Ukraine, which was the site of the longest battle of Moscow's operation in the country. Its units now control the city hall.
Despite analysts' assertions that the city has little strategic value, the Wagner group has supported Russian troops throughout the offensive to surround Bakhmut, a fight in which both sides have invested heavily.
Wagner head Yevgeny Prigozhin said on his Telegram channel, "The commanders of the units that took city hall and the whole center will go and put up this flag," referring to a Russian flag that he is seen holding in a video that goes along with the post.
"These are the individuals who took Bakhmut, and this is the Wagner private military company. Legally, it belongs to us."
Even though "the enemy has not stopped its assault of Bakhmut... Ukrainian defenders are courageously holding the city as they repel numerous enemy attacks," the Ukrainian general staff stated late on Sunday, hours before Prigozhin made his claim.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine, had praised the Ukrainian troops' defense of the city on Sunday evening as well.
"I'm appreciative to our heroes who are battling close to Avdiivka, Maryinka, close to Bakhmut... Particularly Bakhmut! Today is especially hot there!" Zelenskyy stated in his own Telegram post.
Russia has been conducting its assault on Ukraine for more than an year now and there have been many forces that joined with the Russian forces to support their cause. Ukraine has been defending its nation and borders with the help from US aids and NATO countries aids.