Russia Replaces Wagner Private Military Units with Regular Troops in Bakhmut Outskirts, Ukrainian Officials Confirm

Russian forces have replaced Wagner private military units with regular troops in the outskirts of Bakhmut, according to Ukrainian Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Maliar. However, despite this transition, Wagner fighters remain inside the devastated city, indicating a complex situation on the ground.

Maliar’s comments came in response to an earlier announcement by Wagner founder Yevgeny Prigozhin, who stated that his group had initiated the withdrawal of its forces from Bakhmut, handing over control to regular Russian troops.

Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Maliar revealed that the outskirts of Bakhmut now house regular Russian army forces, replacing the Wagner private military units. Although this shift in control suggests a change in the dynamics of the conflict, the presence of Wagner fighters within the city raises questions about the complete withdrawal of Russian-backed forces. Maliar shared these observations on the popular messaging app Telegram.

Ukraine’s eastern military command spokesperson, Serhiy Cherevatyi, reported a decline in the number of Russian attacks in the area over the past three days. Cherevatyi acknowledged two military engagements in the last 24 hours, along with ongoing shelling. He speculated that the reduced attacks might be linked to the reported regrouping of Russian forces. Cherevatyi further noted that the Ukrainian military had inflicted significant losses on the Russian-backed forces, potentially prompting the need for regrouping and reinforcement.

Deputy Defence Minister Maliar stated that Russia was reinforcing its positions on the flanks of Bakhmut, while simultaneously shelling Ukrainian forces. The objective appears to be preventing Ukrainian advances to the north and south of the city. This escalation underscores the ongoing tensions and the Russian-backed forces’ determination to hold their ground despite the loss of control over the outskirts.

Last week, Wagner founder Yevgeny Prigozhin had announced the capture of Bakhmut, marking the culmination of the longest and bloodiest battle in the ongoing war. The city’s devastation and the continued presence of Wagner fighters inside it highlight the complexities and challenges faced by both sides. With regular Russian troops taking over the outskirts, the situation in Bakhmut remains precarious, and further developments are expected as the handover of positions continues until June 1.