Uncertainty reigns over Bahamut’s fate. Eastern Ukrainewhile Kyiv and Moscow make conflicting statements about whether the city has come under the control of its forces Russia.

In particular, Mr. Vladimir Putin congratulated the mercenaries today Wagner and the Russian military for what he called the “liberation” of Bakhmut, which Russia calls Artyomovsk, using its Soviet-era name.

In particular, in a statement posted on its website KremlinPutin says that the longest and bloodiest battle of the war in Ukraine ended with a Russian victory and that all those who distinguished themselves in it on the side of Moscow will be awarded state awards.

“The head of state congratulated the Wagner assault groups, as well as all the military personnel of the formations of the Russian Armed Forces, who provided them with the necessary support and flank cover, on the completion of the operation to liberate Artyomovsk (Bakhmut),” the message says. stated in the statement.

“All those who distinguished themselves will be awarded state awards,” the department added.

Incomprehensible messages from Kyiv

However, it is noted that Kyiv said today that it continues to fight for control of the eastern city, despite the fact that President Volodymyr Zelensky had earlier said that the city remained “only in our hearts.”

Asked before meeting US President Joe Biden at the G7 summit in Japan if the city was still in Ukrainian hands after the Russians claimed they had completely taken over, Zelenskiy told reporters: “I think not, as of today Bahamut is only in our hearts.”

Later, Zelensky’s press secretary clarified that the president answered the other part of the question in this way.

“A question from a journalist: the Russians said they captured Bakhmut,” Sergey Nikiforov wrote on Facebook. “President’s response: I don’t believe.”

The spokesman added in Ukrainian: “Thus, the president denied the capture of Bahamut.”

“This is a tragedy,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said. “There is nothing else there.

^{According to Reuters, APE – MEB}