The head of Russia’s Wagner mercenary group has dramatically announced he will be withdrawing his troops from the eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut in a row over support from Vladmir Putin’s government.
The group founded by Yevgeny Viktorovich Prigozhin – a Putin ally – has been spearheading Russia’s attempt to capture Bakhmut since last summer, in the longest and bloodiest battle of the war in Ukraine.
The head of Russia’s Wagner mercenary group has dramatically announced he will be withdrawing his troops from the eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut in a row over support from Vladmir Putin’s government.
READ ALSO: Russia Warplanes Bomb One Of Its Own Cities Near Ukraine
“I’m pulling Wagner units out of Bakhmut because in the absence of ammunition they’re doomed to perish senselessly.”
Given that Mr Prigozhin has given advance notice of the withdrawal, it may end up that the threat is an act of brinkmanship to force Moscow into action, as he has frequently posted impulsive comments in the past.
READ ALSO: Russian Strikes Kill 16 In Southern Ukraine
However, the stated withdrawal date of May 10 gives defence chiefs just five days to fill the significant gap a Wagner pullout would create. It also threatens to overshadow national celebrations on 9 May, when Mr Putin is due to address the nation from Red Square as Russia commemorates victory over Nazi Germany in the Second World War.
Trending video of the day;
Photo Credit: Getty
