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What happened next?Continue in this file · Russia–Ukraine: origins, war since 2014 and timeline
File · Russia–Ukraine: origins, war since 2014 and timeline

Wagner and Moscow claim Bakhmut’s capture; Kyiv disputes it

On 20 May 2023, Yevgeny Prigozhin and then Russia’s Defence Ministry claim control of Bakhmut after months of fighting. Ukrainian officials dispute the city’s complete capture at the time.

The announcements concern a largely destroyed city. Kyiv says fighting continues, while Ukrainian forces also operate on the flanks.

This entry preserves the information available when the claim was made. Announced control of the urban centre must be distinguished from the situation across the wider sector.

Sources 2
What happened before?Continue in this file · Russia–Ukraine: origins, war since 2014 and timeline