Both Ukraine and Russia have endured heavy losses in the battle for the small salt-mining town
Members of the Ukrainian army fire a German howitzer as Russia's attack on Ukraine continues, near Soledar, Ukraine, in this January 11 2023 file photo. Picture: REUTERS/CLODAGH KILCOYNE
The Wagner ultranationalist mercenary company run by an ally of President Vladimir Putin has claimed to have taken the town. But Russia’s defence ministry has so far said little about the situation there, while a Russian-installed local official said on Thursday there were still pockets of resistance.
A 24-year-old soldier using the call-sign BUK, told Reuters the intensity of shelling had risen by around 70%, but forces were still holding their positions.Reuters could not verify the situation inside the town, which had around 10,000 residents before the war. Ukrainian officials say more than 500 civilians are trapped inside, including 15 children.
US officials said a Russian victory in Soledar, or even in nearby Bakhmut, a city ten times the size where the Russians have so far been repelled, would mean little for the overall trajectory of the war. “Soledar has already fulfilled its main role — drawing off a large amount of Russian resources and destroying them,” he said on the nv.ua media website.
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