Russian combatants reportedly close to central Bakhmut, according to Wagner

In a videotape published on Saturday, the leader of the Russian mercenary organisation Wagner said that his troops were at the centre of Bakhmut, a key frontline hotspot.

Yevgeny Prigozhin may be seen in a video that was uploaded to the messaging service Telegram standing on the roof of a high-rise structure in what is allegedly Bakhmut.

On the video, Prigozin can be heard saying, “This is the building of the town government, here is the centre of the town.

The distance is one kilometre and two hundred metres, he stated.

He stated that getting ammo and “moving forward” was the most crucial thing right now.

Wagner has been leading offensives on eastern Ukrainian cities, notably Bakhmut, in what has grown to be the bloodiest and longest battle in Russia’s year-long offensive. Around Bakhmut, there have been significant casualties on both sides.

A power battle between Prigozhin and the defence ministry has involved the ally of President Vladimir Putin.

Prigozhin has criticised Russia’s top brass on several occasions, claimed combat successes before the Russian army, and charged the military of refusing to supply ammunition to his disorganised men.