The chief of Russia's Wagner private mercenary group, Yevgeny Prigozhin, announced on May 25 the start of the withdrawal of his troops from Bakhmut after claiming last week he had full control of the eastern Ukrainian city. In a video published on Telegram, Prigozhin said his troops will hand Bakhmut over to regular Russian armed forces by June 1. Prigozhin added, though, that "if the military faces hardships," some Wagner fighters may stay in Bakhmut. The Defense Ministry has yet to comment on Prigozhin’s statement. Ukraine says fighting in Bakhmut continues. To read the original story of RFE/RL's Russian Service. click here.
Prigozhin Announces Start Of Wagner Troop Withdrawal From Bakhmut
In a video published on Telegram, Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin (center) said his troops will hand Bakhmut over to regular Russian armed forces by June 1.