Fierce fighting is taking place near Soledar and Bakhmut in the Donetsk region, where Russia has thrown prisoners and mercenaries against Ukrainian defenders.
On January 18, 2023, heavy fighting continued in the area of Soledar and Bakhmut, Donetsk region. The Russian occupying forces did not have full control over any of these cities. This was announced on Wednesday, January 18, by John Kirby, coordinator of the National Security Council for strategic communications at the White House, Ukrinform quotes.
“I will tell you that as of this morning, we do not assess that they (the Russian military – ed.) actually took both cities unilaterally,” he said.
He noted that “violent fighting is going on” in the area, especially near Soledar, where, according to the US assessment, territorial control remains controversial.
Kirby also noted that although the Russians have made gradual progress in recent days, it has cost them – they are actually throwing their bodies into positions in Ukraine.
“These efforts are largely driven by Prigozhin and his PMC Wagner, with some support from the Russian military,” Kirby said.
At the same time, a White House spokesman said that “Prigozhin wants to be seen as more relevant and indispensable on the battlefield” than Russia’s traditional armed forces. Kirby also confirmed that this created tension between the Russian Defense Ministry and Prigozhin’s group.
Earlier, British intelligence assessed the situation in Soledar, Donetsk region.
Also, units of the State Border Service as part of the Defense Forces of Ukraine protect the approach to the fortress of the city of Bakhmut. In particular, border guards noticed an attempt by enemy infantry groups to bypass the stronghold of Ukrainian defenders.
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Source: korrespondent
I am David Wyatt, a professional writer and journalist for Buna Times. I specialize in the world section of news coverage, where I bring to light stories and issues that affect us globally. As a graduate of Journalism, I have always had the passion to spread knowledge through writing.