Posted on 02/12/2023 7:39:38 AM PST by marcusmaximus
The head of Russia’s Wagner mercenary group said in a rare interview made public on Friday that Russian forces must capture the strategic city of Bakhmut to proceed with their campaign but faced fierce resistance from Ukrainian defenders.
-snip-
“Bakhmut is needed so our troops can operate comfortably,” Prigozhin said. “Why is it called the meat grinder? Because the Ukrainian army is sending more and more and more units.”
“It is probably too early to say that we are close. There are many roads out and fewer roads in. Ukrainian troops are well trained ... and like any large city it is impossible to capture it from head-on. We are managing very well.
“First we have to quietly take Artyomovsk and then we can say loud and clear that we have taken it,” he added, referring to Bakhmut by the Soviet-era name used by Moscow.
(Excerpt) Read more at english.alarabiya.net ...
Sorry, the Soviet Union was Russia by another name. The Ukrain was part of Russia since 1780 - over 230 years.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.