The leader of the Russian paramilitary group Wagner, Yevgeny Prigozhin, announced on Wednesday morning that his troops had taken control of the Ukrainian city of Soledar after intense fighting this week, yet the extent of the Russian control in the territory is unclear.
On Wednesday morning, despite claims from Prigozhin that Wagner troops had taken the entire territory of Soledar, many reports suggested that Russia had not gained control of the entire territory. Prigozhin also claimed that "urban battles" were still ongoing, calling into question the extent of the Russian gains.
"Wagner units have taken control of the entire territory of Soledar," he said through his press service on social media. Prigozhin also claimed that Ukrainian troops in Soledar were encircled, but AFP was unable to verify these statements.
The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) has also disputed these claims, stating they had only observed visual confirmation of Wagner Group forces in central Soledar as of 10 January. "The reality of block-by-block control of terrain in Soledar is obfuscated by the dynamic nature of urban combat."
Unverified photo of Wagner Group in Soledar's salt mines. Credit: Telegram
Bloody battles are being fought out across the frontline in sub-zero conditions, with Russia focusing its efforts this week on the city of Soledar, around 18 kilometres north of the heavily contested city of Bahkmut, which remains its key strategic objective.
Russian forces have largely struggled to make significant tactical gains in the Soledar area for months. Since the summer, Russian troops have been focusing their efforts on Bahkmut, but have been pushed back by fierce Ukrainian resistance.
The Kyiv Independent has reported that Russia was “claiming a rare victory [in Soledar] after facing a series of humiliating defeats across the frontline.”
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Soledar holds key commercial and military significance to Russia due to its salt mines, with many reports stating that the leader of the mercenary Wagner Group, businessman Yevgeny Prigozhin, wants to control the salt and gypsum mines in the area.
On Tuesday night in his daily address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy praised the “heroic” efforts of his troops but gave no update on the military situation.
