loading…
The town of Soledar is claimed to have been captured by the Russians after heavy fighting. Photos/tasks
SOLDER – Russia’s Ministry of Defense (MoD) said on Friday (13/1/2023) that its troops had taken control of the salt mining town of Soledar in eastern Ukraine on Thursday.
According to state media reports, the Russian Ministry of Defense explained that Russia’s capture of the town would allow its troops to cut off Ukrainian troops from the much larger town of Bakhmut nearby.
Reuters was unable to independently verify Russia’s claims.
“Russian troops captured the city, which has long been the focus of heavy fighting and bombardment, on Thursday evening,” said a statement from the Russian Ministry of Defense.
“This will now allow troops to cut off Ukrainian forces from the nearest town, Bakhmut which is much larger,” the Russian Ministry of Defense said.
Also read: Russian Arms Maker Kalashnikov Reveals the Greatest Year in History
Reuters could not immediately verify the Russian Defense Ministry’s claims.
Ukraine said earlier Friday that its troops were still holding out in Soledar after a “hot” night of fighting, which has become one of the bloodiest battlefields of the entire war.
Both sides had suffered heavy losses in the battle for the small city.
Moscow was seeking what would be its first major advantage on the battlefield after half a year of humiliating retreat.
Kiev says Russia is throwing wave after wave of troops into a futile fight for bombed-out wasteland.
(she)
