Putin Congratulates Russian Army on the Liberation of Bakhmut

Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated the Wagner group and the Russian army on the liberation of Artyomovsk (Bakhmut), according to the Kremlin press service.

“Vladimir Putin congratulates the Wagner assault squads, as well as all servicemen of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation who provided necessary support during the operation to liberate Artyomovsk,” the statement said.

Earlier, the Ministry of Defense reported that the liberation of the city was completed as a result of the offensive actions of Wagner fighters, with support from the artillery and aviation of the Russian Southern Grouping of Forces.

The day before, Wagner founder Yevgeny Prigozhin announced the establishment of complete control over the city.

It is worth noting that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Bakhmut is no longer under Ukrainian control. “At this moment, it only exists in our hearts,” the Ukrainian president added.