BAKHMUT HOLDS: Wagner mercs commander says it’s “too early” to say that Bakhmut was surrounded.

Moscow said on Thursday that Russian troops were preventing Ukrainian forces from entering or leaving the frontline city of Bakhmut, which for months has been the focal point of Russia’s assault in eastern Ukraine.

"Airborne troops are providing support to advancing assault troops, blocking the transfer of Ukrainian army reserves to the city and the possibility of retreat for enemy units," the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement.

The head of the Wagner mercenary group, Yevgeny Prigozhin, poured cold water on the Russian Defense Ministry’s claims, cautioning that it was still “too early” to say that Bakhmut was surrounded.

Wagner fighters have spearheaded most of the Russian side's efforts to capture the city.

[link to www.themoscowtimes.com (secure)]