“A unit of the Russian army has fled Bakhmut,” the city in eastern Ukraine where Moscow’s forces and the Wagner paramilitary group have been fighting Kiev’s army for months. It is the accusation of the leader and founder of Wagner, Yevgeny Prigozhin, who once again points the finger at Moscow. “The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation never delivered the promised ammunition to Wagner,” he said, adding, “Only 10 percent of the requested ammunition has arrived.”
Prigozhin then reiterated in a video message his readiness to give up the epicenter of the fighting if the demands made over the past few days are not met. “The ammunition issue must be resolved,” because “the Ukrainians will launch a counter-offensive soon,” he warned.
According to the Wagner boss, “the Russian state is not in a position to defend the country” and the leadership of the Moscow army is trying to “deceive” Russian President Vladimir Putin. “A soldier cannot die from the utter stupidity of his leadership,” he underscored. From Bakhmut, “Our army is running away! – said Prigozhin – the 72nd brigade fled from Bakhmut, leaving behind three square kilometers, for which 500 Wagnerians died”.