Russia-Ukraine War Updates

As the war between Russia and Ukraine continues, recent developments are worth looking at. One new episode shows some of the issues: the use of private military forces and the competing claims from different governments.

As of January 12th, the Russian Defense Ministry claimed that Russian forces captured the town of Soledar in eastern Ukraine. Although the military significance of Soledar is minimal, capturing it meant that Russian forces, especially the private military group Wagner, would be able to focus on the nearby city of Bakhmut, which had been a target since the summer. In addition, Soledar was a symbolic win because it represented their first win since July. Despite its now devastated state, Soledar would be considered rare progress. 

However, Wagner soon made a claim later that day, saying that its forces were involved in the Soledar offensive, which Russia had failed to mention. And, soon after, Ukrainian authorities joined the debate, denying claims that Soledar was taken at all. Arguing soon escalated, and the night’s fighting grew heated.

On Friday, there was shooting spotted in Soledar, and Ukraine continued to contradict any claims that the eastern city was seized. Serhiy Cherevaty, a spokesperson for the Eastern Grouped of Ukrainian Army, stated that “fighting [was] taking place in the city.” In addition, interviewed Ukrainian captain Taras Berezovets agreed, also saying that the morale of the frontline units was high.

Finally, after days of disagreement, Russia’s defense ministry credited Wagner in Soledar’s attack, but kept the claim that the city had been captured. “Soledar was taken exclusively by Wagner PMC units,” Wagner’s chief, Yevgeny Prigozhin agreed.

But a new video from Soledar on the 13th soon revealed a massive explosion at what was believed to be a Russian troop shelter. Footage taken by Ukrainian soldiers reveals an attack on a building with a distinctive green roof as Russian soldiers entered it.

Both sides have made claims and suffered losses. It will take more time to validate any of these claims. As the Russian-Ukraine war continues, there will undoubtedly be more casualties and damage. Keep following for more information.