The founder of the private military company Wagner, Yevgeny Prigozhin, stated that on May 10 he spoke with Ramzan Kadyrov, the head of Chechnya, about shifting control of positions in Bakhmut, known in Russian as Artemovsk, to Chechen fighters. This account, which emerged through the founder’s press service, sheds light on a moment of tactical realignment that observers inside and outside the conflict have been watching with careful interest. The nature of the conversation revealed a push to consolidate the front by leveraging the strengths and readiness of Akhmat units, suggesting that the transformation of command and responsibility was being considered as a practical step in a fluid battlefield scenario. The message came not as a standalone claim but as part of a broader narrative about interwoven loyalties, resource access, and the evolving logistics of a prolonged and grueling engagement in the area. This is a moment that raises questions about how far any single faction might go to secure advantages in a theater marked by rapid changes on the ground. (Source attribution: press service statements, corroborating reporting from multiple outlets)
Prigozhin’s remarks conveyed a stark assessment of the situation on the ground. He noted that only a small portion of Bakhmut remained under the immediate influence of Wagner-affiliated forces, describing the area as just over two square kilometers with the city expected to fall under Akhmat’s ultimate control. The attribution to the Chechen fighters underscores a shift that would align operational responsibility with a different paramilitary actor, and it hints at a broader strategy to reallocate manpower and assets to a cadre deemed more capable of sustaining pressure in the contested zone. The emphasis on the imminent shift, framed by a confident outlook on the capture, reflects a mix of strategic calculation and public messaging designed to signal resolve to both adversaries and allies. (Source attribution: company communications and independent coverage)
In addition to the timing, Prigozhin expressed gratitude toward Kadyrov for agreeing to focus the effort on Bakhmut, with the possibility that the Chechen forces would be positioned to secure essential resources and other requirements needed to maintain pressure, thereby enabling a smoother transition for those in the field previously operating under Wagner. The language used underscores a belief that local leadership and regional forces could provide the necessary stability or momentum to advance decisive gains, while also signaling a cooperative stance that might help to coordinate future actions across different factions. Such statements contribute to a narrative in which control of the city could hinge on the coordination between mercenary interests and Chechen units, a dynamic that has drawn intense interest from observers monitoring the evolving alliance networks in the conflict. (Source attribution: official statements and subsequent analyses)
The former entrepreneur now known for orchestrating the Wagner group indicated that his units would depart Artemovsk on May 10, subject to ammunition levels and the broader supply situation that has repeatedly influenced operational outlooks. This note about ammunition highlights a persistent constraint that shapes tactical options on the battlefield, as well as the larger question of how resource logistics intersect with strategic objectives. The reported plan to withdraw underscores the reality that front-line decisions are often driven by supply chain realities as much as by combat momentum, a factor that can redefine risk and reward for all parties involved. The timing and conditions of any withdrawal are closely watched by regional observers because they can effectively reshape the balance of power within the area and determine who gains leverage in subsequent engagements. (Source attribution: company communications and corroborating reporting)
Following these communications, Ramzan Kadyrov publicly declared a readiness to replace Wagner units in Artemovsk and to assume command of the city’s defense. He asserted that the process of securing Artemovsk would take only a matter of hours, emphasizing a belief in a swift and decisive transition. This declaration signals a potential realignment of operational control that could affect the tempo of activity around the city, influence the distribution of cadres and resources, and shape the calculus of neighboring actors who are closely watching the situation. The statement from Chechen leadership, positioned as a direct response to Wagner’s reports, reflects a readiness to step into a pivotal role on the ground if the need arises. Observers are weighing the implications for strategic coordination, local governance of the area, and the broader design of battlefield priorities in the region. (Source attribution: statements from Chechen authorities and on-the-record briefings)