Russia claims advances in Bakhmut

Yevgeny Prigozhin, the owner of Russia’s mercenary Wagner Group, claimed the eastern part of the city of Bakhmut was under Russian control. The Bakhmutka river splits Bakhmut somewhat down the middle. More of the city lies on the western side of the river than on the eastern side. Ukrainian forces still retain control of the western side. The Institute for the Study of War says that even if Russia took control of the entire city, it is unlikely its forces could turn that victory to its advantage.

What’s going on with the Black Sea? United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres visited Ukraine to discuss extending an agreement allowing Ukrainian grain and Russian food and fertilizer to pass through the Black Sea. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says getting Ukrainian grain to the rest of the world is essential.

Dig deeper: Read Evgeny Kosykh’s report in WORLD Magazine on the Wagner Group.