Russia’s Wagner Says It Suspends Artillery Fireplace in Ukraine’s Bakhmut for Press Tour

(Reuters) – The top of Russia’s Wagner mercenary group stated on Thursday it was suspending artillery fireplace in Bakhmut to permit Ukrainian forces on the opposite aspect of the frontline to securely present the town to visiting U.S. journalists.

Wagner has been spearheading Russia’s assault on Bakhmut since final summer time within the longest and bloodiest battle of the conflict, however Ukrainian forces have up to now thwarted its makes an attempt to take full management of the town.

Yevgeny Prigozhin, Wagner’s founder, stated in an audio message printed by his press service:

“A call has been taken to droop artillery fireplace in order that American journalists can safely movie Bakhmut and go house.”

Prigozhin in the identical message warned the Ukrainian aspect to not strive to usher in any additional forces beneath cowl of the journalists’ go to.

Reuters couldn’t instantly independently confirm whether or not Wagner had suspended its artillery fireplace or not.

A day earlier, Prigozhin lambasted the defence ministry for not sending much-needed shipments of ammunition to his fighters.

(Reporting by Reuters; Modifying by Andrew Osborn)

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