Ukraine military still holds parts of Bakhmut, despite Russian claim

Ukrainian forces have partly encircled Bakhmut along the flanks and still control a part of the city, Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Maliar said on Sunday (May 21) denying Russian claims Bakhmut had fallen completely and was theirs. Military spokesman Serhiy Cherevatyi said Ukrainian forces “there control a couple of buildings and have fortified constructions in the south-western part of the town.“ Russia claimed on Saturday (May 20) to have fully captured the destroyed city, which would mark an end to the longest and bloodiest battle of the 15-month war and Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated troops. In the Japanese city of Hiroshima at the G7 summit, Ukrainian President Volodymy Zelenskiy, sitting next to U.S. President Joe Biden, answered a reporter’s question about Russian forces having captured Bakhmut saying “I think, no, but you have to understand, that there is nothing. They’ve destroyed everything, there are no buildings. It’s a pity, it is a tragedy.“ Zelenskiy, who earlier laid flowers at the cenotaph to victims of the world’s first atomic bombing of a city, said photographs of Hiroshima’s destruction during World War Two reminded him of Bakhmut and other destroyed Ukrainian cities. Biden announced a $375 million package of military aid, including artillery and armored vehicles, for Ukraine. He told Zelenskiy the United States was doing all it could to strengthen Ukraine’s defense against Russia. Other leaders of the G7 - the United States, Japan, Germany, Britain, France, Italy and Canada - echoed Biden’s sentiments and said they would not back down from supporting Ukraine. It was “significant“ that the G7 nations showed solidarity in their intention to uphold international law and order during a summit attended by Zelenskiy as a guest, said the prime minister of host nation Japan, Fumio Kishida. The Sun newspaper brings you the latest breaking news videos and explainers from the UK and around the world Become a Sun Subscriber and hit the bell to be the first to know Read The Sun: Like The Sun on Facebook: Follow The Sun on Twitter: Subscribe to The Sun on Snapchat: #ukraine #russia #war