Zelenskyy confirms Russia has taken control of Bakhmut

“For today, Bakhmut is only in our hearts,” he said. “There is nothing in this place.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reacts during a meeting with President Joe Biden on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Hiroshima, Japan (Susan Walsh/AP/PA)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed on Sunday that Russia has taken control of the city of Bakhmut after a bloody eight-month battle by Moscow’s Wagner private army, with the support of Russian troops, that has left it in ruins.

Mr Zelenskyy said he thought Ukraine had lost the city, but added, “You have to understand that there is nothing,” saying of the Russians, “They destroyed everything.”