21-5-2023 (Hiroshima) Ukraine reaffirmed its ongoing struggle to retain control over the eastern city of Bakhmut, countering Russian assertions that the city had been completely seized. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, prior to his meeting with United States President Joe Biden in Japan, responded to inquiries about Bakhmut’s status by stating, “I think no.”
Addressing reporters, Zelenskyy emphasized, “For today, Bakhmut is only in our hearts.”
Zelenskyy’s press secretary, Sergii Nykyforov, later clarified that the president’s response was in relation to a different part of the question posed by the reporter. Nykyforov explained on Facebook, “Reporter’s question: Russians said they have taken Bakhmut. President’s reply: I think no.” He added in Ukrainian, “In this way, the president denied the capture of Bakhmut.”
Russia, on the other hand, asserted on Saturday that it had successfully seized full control of the devastated eastern Ukrainian city. If true, this would signify the conclusion of the longest and bloodiest battle in the 15-month war.
Zelenskyy expressed his deep sorrow over the situation, stating, “It is a tragedy. There is nothing left in this place.”
The assault on the extensively damaged city was led by troops from the Wagner Group, a mercenary organization. Earlier that day, the group’s leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, announced that his forces had finally ousted the Ukrainians from the last remaining built-up area within the city.
