Ukraine’s Army Has “Semi-encircled” Bakhmut, Zelensky Denies Putin’s Victory Claim, Russia Slams G7

The Kremlin press service said Putin congratulated the Wagner Group and Russian troops for liberating Bakhmut. However, Ukrainian President Zelensky said Russian troops remain in Bakhmut but have “not occupied“ the city.  Wagner Chief Yevgeny Prigozhin claims no Ukrainian soldiers are left standing in Bakhmut and says Zelensky may be lying. On the other hand, Ukrainian Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Malyar claims Kyiv’s forces have “semi-encircled” Bakhmut. Meanwhile, Zelensky met US President Joe Biden on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Hiroshima, Japan, on May 21. The US President said he has a “flat assurance” from Zelensky that the Ukrainian troops will not use F-16s to go into Russian territory. However, he said F-16 warplanes could be used “wherever Russian troops are within Ukraine and the area”. Russia has accused G7 leaders of turning their summit in Japan into a “propaganda show“ by inviting Zelensky. #russia #russiaukrainewar #ukraine #putin #u