#Russia, #Ukraine differ in accounts of fighting near #Bakhmut
#MOSCOW (MNP) – Russia said on Wednesday its forces had struck three Ukrainian army groups near #Bakhmut, but Kyiv said its forces, despite limited #control in the long-contested city, had the #Russians all but pinned down.
#Ukraine ‘s Deputy Defence Minister, Hanna Maliar, also reported fierce fighting further north around the town of Lyman, recaptured by Ukrainian forces late last year.
Russia’s Wagner mercenary group captured the shattered eastern city of Bakhmut in May after 10 months of fighting.
The Russian army in the area has since come under fierce pressure from Ukrainian forces who threaten to encircle it.
The Russian defence ministry made no comment in its daily briefing on reports that Russian forces had retreated from the village of Klishchiivka, just southwest of Bakhmut. A Russian-installed official in eastern Ukraine denied the reports.
