The Ministry of Defense spoke about the storming of Soledar by detachments of PMC “Wagner”

A heterogeneous group of Russian troops participated in the liberation of Soledar from the units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, while the direct assault on the city’s quarters was carried out by the Wagner PMC units, according to message Ministry of Defense of Russia.

“Offensive operations in this tactical direction, which ended in the defeat of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the capture of the city of Soledar, were carried out by a heterogeneous grouping of Russian troops (forces) according to a single plan and plan … As for the direct assault on city blocks … this combat mission was successfully completed by courageous and selfless by the actions of volunteers of the assault detachments of PMC “Wagner”,” the message says.

The defense department explained that the complex of combat missions in this direction included blocking the city from the north and south, preventing the transfer of enemy reserves to the city and preventing the exit of units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, support by attack aircraft and artillery, etc.

The Ministry of Defense reported earlier today that Soledar was completely taken under the control of the Russian military, which is of great strategic importance for a further offensive. Later, the founder of PMC “Wagner” Yevgeny Prigozhin declaredthat the PMC fighters are “trying to steal victory” and belittle their merits as part of a special operation. “They constantly try to steal victory from PMC Wagner and talk about the presence of someone who is not clear, just to belittle their merits,” he said.

On the night of January 11, the acting head of the DPR, Denis Pushilin, announced that the center of Soledar had been taken under control. Prigogine in the evening of the same day said that the fighters of the group have taken control over the entire city. At the same time, the businessman stressed that no units, except for PMC fighters, took part in the assault on Soledar.

Russia’s special operation in Ukraine began on February 24. Russian President Vladimir Putin called the protection of the inhabitants of Donbass, as well as the demilitarization and denazification of Ukraine, its goals. During the special operation at the end of September, the LPR, DPR, Kherson and Zaporozhye regions became part of Russia.