Russian Wagner Group chief claims extended gains in Bakhmut

A Ukrainian soldier looks out of an APC near Bakhmut, the site of the heaviest battles, Donetsk region (Libkos/AP)

The owner of Russia’s Wagner Group military company has claimed his troops have extended their gains in the key Ukrainian stronghold of Bakhmut as fierce fighting continues.

Yevgeny Prigozhin said Wagner troops have taken full control of the eastern part of Bakhmut.