Wagner boss denies reports of halting shelling of Bakhmut

Prigozhin, head of the private security group Wagner, announced a halt to shelling of Bakhmut to allow American journalists to work, but later insisted it was just a "joke".

The press office of Yevgeny Prigozhin, head of the Russian private security group Wagner, released an audio recording today in which he announced that he had decided to stop shelling the city of Bakhmut so that "American journalists could safely come here to film and take pictures."

However, in a subsequent audio recording, Prigozhin said that the decision to halt the shelling was a "joke." "This is just military humor. Just a joke, nothing more," Prigozhin said.

Prigozhin is known for his combative and joking style. Last month, after repeatedly complaining about the Russian Defense Ministry not providing enough ammunition, Prigozhin said he and Wagner forces were “shocked” when they began receiving ammunition.

Ukrainian artillery units fire towards Russian positions in Bakhmut in February. Photo: Reuters — Ukrainian artillery units fire towards Russian positions in Bakhmut in February. Photo: *Reuters*

Wagner forces are the main force in the attack on Bakhmut. In addition to deploying infantry, Wagner has also increased artillery fire on Ukrainian army positions west of the city.

Both Russia and Ukraine are focusing their efforts on the battle for the eastern city. Prigozhin said on April 26 that Ukraine had sent more elite forces to Bakhmut and would launch a counterattack after May 2.

Russian forces have captured four more villages on the western outskirts of Bakhmut, the Russian Defense Ministry said today.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine said fighting was ongoing across Bakhmut and surrounding areas. The Ukrainian military has said it would defend the city, although President Volodymyr Zelensky said earlier this month that he could withdraw troops from Bakhmut if he faced a threat of encirclement.