German authorities searched ship suspected in Nord Stream pipeline explosions
NBCDec 23, 2022
Day 378: Wagner Chief Claims Control Over Eastern Bakhmut
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Image copyright: AP Photos [via AP News]
The Facts
Yevgeny Prigozhin, head of the Russian mercenary group Wagner PMC, on Wednesday claimed that his forces have taken control of the eastern part of the Donetsk city of Bakhmut — known as Artyomovsk in Russian. "Wagner PMC units have occupied the entire eastern part of Bakhmut," he said. "Everything east of the Bakhmutka River is completely under the control of the Wagner PMC."
Ukrainian officials haven't commented on the claim. However, the advance was confirmed by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), a US military think tank that closely follows the fighting in Ukraine.
The Spin
Narrative A
Even if Russia takes control of Bakhmut, it should not be seen as a failure for Ukraine. They have inflicted extremely heavy losses on Russian forces and the logistical problems that have dogged Russia throughout the war remain. It will not be able to overcome these challenges to make further gains in Ukraine.
Narrative B
Russia's capture of Bakhmut is strategically important as has this been the logistics hub for Ukraine's forces in the rest of Donetsk. Its capture would also open up further roads of Russian advance in the region.
