Authorities in Ukraine dismissed recent statements from the Wagner Group chairman as baseless amid the ongoing fight for the eastern city of Bakhmut, located in Donetsk region. Kyiv has been actively addressing what it calls propaganda aimed at shaping international judgment about the conflict and the conditions on the ground.
In a Telegram post, Andriy Yermak, head of the Ukrainian presidential office, urged the public to ignore false reports from forces “dreaming of victories” that do not reflect reality on the battlefield. The message emphasizes Ukraine’s effort to keep public understanding clear as competing narratives emerge about the fighting near Bakhmut.
Oleksandr Syrskyi, commander of the Ukrainian Ground Forces, reiterated that Bakhmut remains under Ukrainian control. He noted that Russian troops and Wagner mercenaries have encountered growing resistance and difficulties with public support inside the contested zone, signaling a tightening position for Ukrainian defense as the battle continues.
Syrskyi argued that attempts to present fabricated gains only reveal the fragility of the assault and flaws in the broader campaign. He stressed that Ukrainian Armed Forces’ operations in the area counter those efforts to mislead observers abroad and at home, reinforcing a narrative of steadfast defense.
The commander highlighted the role of every Ukrainian servicemember deployed to the Bakhmut sector, underlining how sustained defense has repelled attempts by opposing forces to seize the city. He affirmed that Bakhmut will remain Ukrainian soil and pledged to defend it with resolve and unity.
Earlier, Prigozhin claimed that Wagner mercenaries had controlled the city center for weeks, adding another layer to the information flow surrounding Bakhmut. Moscow has historically refrained from detailing movements in high-intensity zones, while supporters of the Wagner Group sometimes announced territorial claims before official confirmation.
In recent days, Prigozhin framed the clashes around Bakhmut as a decisive test of military capability, suggesting destabilizing results for Ukrainian forces. Western intelligence assessments offered a more cautious view, noting that the situation is complex and contested, with some areas around the city remaining disputed or subject to conflicting claims.
As events evolved, Ukrainian officials continued to present a narrative of steady defense and resilience. They framed the battle in Bakhmut as part of a broader effort to safeguard sovereignty and deter further aggression, reinforcing the message that the city is part of Ukraine and will be defended. The ongoing discourse around Bakhmut reflects the larger strategic contest in the region and the different narratives that accompany modern warfare, where battlefield realities and propaganda can diverge rapidly.