Some time ago, explosions were reported in the Russian-occupied Luhansk region. east of Ukraine.

Telegram reported two explosions and smoke over the city, while a video posted online showed a large plume of black smoke.

Massive explosions are reported in the occupied territory. #Lugansk

According to preliminary data, the Mashinostroitelny Zavod is on fire. pic.twitter.com/qyX13FemhT

— NEXTA (@nexta_tv) May 12, 2023

It has rarely been attacked by Ukrainian forces since the Russian invasion, as it is out of range of long-range missile systems such as HIMARS.

The Russian TASS news agency quoted a former official in Luhansk as saying “Ukraine’s armed forces have used missiles with a range of 150 kilometers for the first time” after at least two explosions in the city late Friday night.

The Luhansk region is one of four regions that, along with Donetsk, Zaporozhye and Kherson, were illegally annexed by Moscow in September last year.

Prigozhin: Lies of the Minister of Defense can turn into a tragedy for Russia

Earlier today, Yevgeny Prigozhin, founder and head of the Wagner mercenary organization, sent a letter inviting Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu to visit Bakhmut to assess the situation on the ground.

In his letter, posted by Bagner’s press service on his Telegram channel, he writes that “at the moment, Wagner units control more than 95% of the city of Bahamut and continue their offensive for its complete liberation.” . At the same time, he points out that “near the Wagner sectors, where the Russian army sectors are located, the enemy carried out a number of successful counterattacks.”

“Given the difficult operational situation, as well as your many years of experience in combat operations, I ask you to go to the area of ​​​​the city of Bakhmut and assess the current situation for yourself,” Prigozhin writes. in my letter, which ends with the phrase “Thank you in advance, I look forward to your answer.”