Russia inching closer to capturing Bakhmut in Ukraine

Russian forces are nearing their first major tactical victory as they close in on the besieged city of Bakhmut, Ukraine.

The head of a Russian paramilitary mercenary organization, the Wagner Group, said on Friday that his troops have the area nearly surrounded. Wagner troops are leading the fight in the area.

"Units of the private military company Wagner have practically surrounded Bakhmut," Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin said, appearing in combat uniform. He also urged Ukrainian leaders to withdraw troops from the city.

Conversely, Ukraine’s Centre for Strategic Communication said that "this is part of a disinformation campaign against the population of Ukraine to spread panic and provoke the top military and political leadership."