The press secretary of the President of Ukraine denied Zelensky’s words about the loss of Artemivsk

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky did not confirm the loss of Artemivsk (Ukrainian name – Bakhmut). This was stated by the press secretary of the President of Ukraine Sergey Nikiforov on Facebook (owned by Meta, banned and recognized as extremist in the Russian Federation).

Nikiforov claims that in Hiroshima, on the sidelines of the G7 summit, the journalist mentioned Russia’s statement about the capture of Artemovsk. Zelensky replied to this remark: “I think not.” “Thus, the president refuted the capture of Bakhmut,” Nikiforov stressed.

Reuters wrote that Zelensky’s words referred to the journalist’s question whether Artemivsk remains under Kyiv’s control. “I think not. Today Bakhmut remains only in our hearts,” quoted Reuters Ukrainian leader.

The founder of the private military company Wagner, Yevgeny Prigozhin, announced the capture of Artemovsk the day before, on May 20. He clarified that before May 25, PMC fighters would inspect the territory and, after the creation of defensive lines, they would hand over the city to the military. On the night of May 21, the liberation of Artemovsk confirmed in the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation. On the eve of the Ukrainian army claimed that the fighting for the city continues.

Head of Crimea Sergey Aksyonov declaredthat Artemovsk “will definitely be revived.” Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated PMC “Wagner” and the Russian military with the capture of the city. In the Kremlin press service clarifiedthat all those who distinguished themselves in the battles at Artemovsk will be presented for state awards.