Russian Forces Claim Victory in Eastern Ukraine, Capturing Key Mining Town of Soledar

Russia Claims Victory in Eastern Ukraine

Russia’s defense ministry has announced a significant victory in eastern Ukraine, claiming control of the mining town of Soledar.

The capture of Soledar marks the first significant victory for Russian forces in months, and is a morale-boosting breakthrough for the Kremlin. The town has been the site of some of the war’s most intense combat in recent days, with competing claims over who had control.

The defense ministry said that the capture of Soledar was “important for the continuation of successful offensive operations in the Donetsk region.” It added that “establishing control over Soledar makes it possible to cut off the supply routes for Ukrainian troops in Bakhmut,” a nearby city that has been devastated by shelling and remains an important national symbol of Ukrainian defiance.

The capture of Soledar would allow Russian forces, and especially the Wagner mercenary group, to turn their focus on nearby Bakhmut. It is unclear how long it will take for Russian forces to take control of the city, but it is likely to be a long and difficult battle.

The war in eastern Ukraine has been ongoing for nearly a year, with no end in sight. The capture of Soledar is a significant victory for the Russian forces, but it is unclear how long it will take for them to take control of Bakhmut.