Prigozhin Says Wagner Group Will Withdraw From Bakhmut

Wagner Group leader Yevgeney Prigozhin has announced the mercenary force will withdraw from Bakhmut on May 10 due to a shortage of ammunition.

The Details: Prigozhin released a video statement blaming the uptick in “senseless death” of his soldiers on Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and General Valery Gerasimov. Both Ukrainian and Russian officials have denied the claims that Wagner has been short of ammunition. Ukrainian Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar said she believes they are actually drawing more forces towards Bakhmut and will try to take the city by their previously established target date of May 9.

For Context: The battle for Bakhmut has been long and bloody, with both sides suffering many casualties. Analysts believe the capture of Bakhmut may be significant for Russian forces because it would make it easier for them to control the rest of the Donbas industrial region. Prigozhin, who some think could eventually be Putin’s successor, has previously criticized the Kremlin for its strategy in Ukraine.

Key Quotes: Prigozhin said Wagner will “transfer positions… to units of the defense ministry and withdraw the remains of Wagner to logistics camps to lick our wounds.” Ukrainian military spokesperson Serhii Cherevatyi said, “I think he is looking for a reason to simply retreat from the battlefield, suffering huge losses, unable to perform any task, and unable to replenish his personnel.” The Kremlin acknowledged Prigozhin’s statement but has not offered a comment.

How The Media Covered It: Outlets across the spectrum covered the events similarly.