Bakhmout finally in Russian hands

The Russian flag is waved triumphantly by the units of the Wagner group in Bakhmout (Ukraine), in ruins. In images carefully produced and staged by the paramilitary militia, she claims the total capture of the city. Its leader, Evgueni Prigogine, credits the success to himself, while the echo of the bombs still resounds. “For 224 days, our men stormed this city. The only fighters were Wagner’s mercenaries,” he says in the video.

20,000 Russians dead in the fighting in Bakhmout?

In a statement, Moscow also confirms victory over Ukrainian forces. “The President congratulated Wagner’s assault units, and the Russian Armed Forces who provided them with the necessary support for the completion of the operation”, report the press release. President Zelensky, welcomed with great fanfare at the G7 summit in Japan, has sown doubt. In the middle of an interview with Joe Biden, he is asked about the loss, or not, of the city. “I do not think so. You must understand that there is nothing. They destroyed everything”, he then launches. If the capture of Bakhmout is confirmed, it would finally be a victory for the Russians. But at what cost ? According to estimates, the Russian forces lost nearly 20,000 men there.