Russian Defense Ministry Confirms Control over Bakhmut

The Russian Ministry of Defense announced yesterday, Saturday, that Russian forces have taken full control of the city of Bakhmut in eastern Ukraine. The attack on the city was led by forces from the Wagner Group, which was denied by Kyiv. If this news is confirmed, it would mark the end of the longest and bloodiest battle in the 15-month ongoing war. The Russian Ministry of Defense stated in a statement, "As a result of the offensive actions of Wagner units supported by artillery and aviation... the liberation of Artemovsk has been completed." Russian news agency Interfax reported that President Vladimir Putin congratulated the forces on capturing Bakhmut.