Russia stated Monday that its forces had taken management of a village close to Bakhmut, the japanese Ukrainian metropolis dwelling to the longest-running battle of Moscow’s offensive.

The defence ministry in Moscow stated that volunteer fighters had “absolutely liberated” the settlement of Paraskoviivka with the assist of standard forces, together with paratroopers and artillery.

The assertion didn’t point out Russia’s mercenary group Wagner which claimed to have captured village on Friday.

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Paraskoviivka is a hamlet on the northern outskirts of Bakhmut.

Wagner head Yevgeny Prigozhin has stated it might take months to seize Bakhmut, which has was a key political and symbolic prize.

The months-long battle for the embattled metropolis has uncovered tensions between the Wagner paramilitary group and the Russian military, although the Kremlin denies any rift.

In January, Prigozhin claimed his fighters had taken management of close by Soledar. Two days later, the defence ministry stated that Moscow’s forces have been controlling the city.