Wagner Group says Ukraine sent 80 thousand troops to Bakhmut

According to Mr. Pegov, in preparation for a possible counterattack by Ukraine, the Russian armed forces are gathering forces in the direction of Zaporizhzhia.

To prevent the actions of Ukrainian forces, Russian artillery units are carrying out preventive strikes on settlements on the outskirts of Zaporizhzhia, Mr. Pegov said.

In addition, Russian war correspondents also reported on the Russian army's offensive on Marinka in Donetsk.

Experts emphasize that the Russian armed forces continue to actively operate at the front and are preparing for any actions of the Ukrainian army.

Ukraine has not yet commented on the above information.

Russia's Tornado-G multiple launch rocket system. Photo: RIA Novosti

Ukraine sends 80 thousand troops to Bakhmut

Russian military journalist Alexander Simonov, citing information from the private military corporation Wagner, said that the Ukrainian armed forces plan to send 80,000 troops to Bakhmut to fight against the Russian army.

According to Mr. Simonov, the Ukrainian army is forming shock groups and waiting for the moment to counterattack.

“The most feasible counterattack direction for Ukraine at the moment is from the north of Bakhmut, around the suburban cities,” said Mr. Simonov.

Meanwhile, Wagner forces continued their offensive in the western regions of Bakhmut, driving Ukrainian armed forces from their positions.

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, Wagner forces have captured two areas in the northern and southern suburbs of the city. Russian army paratroopers also supported the Wagner units' advance by holding back Ukrainian forces on both flanks.

Kiev has not commented on the above information.