In this screen grab released on January 8, 2023, tanks fire at Soledar in the Donetsk region of Ukraine during a Russian attack on Ukraine. (Ukrainian National Border Guard/via Reuters)
KIEV — Ukrainian forces are fighting to maintain control of Soledar in eastern Ukraine’s Donetsk region, a regional governor said on Saturday, refuting Russian claims that Moscow forces had captured the small town.
Donetsk governor Pablo Kirilenko said the situation in the town was “difficult” and that Russian troops were advancing from different directions, with the Russians suffering numerous casualties, including members of the Wagner mercenary group. added.
“Although there are battles in the streets and outside the city as the enemy is trying to advance in several directions, Soledar is still under the control of our forces. ,” Kirilenko said in a video posted to the Telegram app.
Reuters was unable to verify Battlefield’s account.
For days, the small salt-mining town of Soledar has been the focus of Russian attacks.
Kirilenko’s comments came after Russia repeatedly said that Russian forces had taken control of the town. Ukraine has repeatedly denied the takeover.
Kirilenko said the front line was under constant shelling and that the Ukrainian military command was working “to stabilize the situation, reduce losses and save the lives of the boys.”
He said about 550 inhabitants still live in Soledag, which had a population of about 10,000 before the war.
