The Russian army has been trying for months to capture the town of Bakhmut in eastern Ukraine. During the ceasefire unilaterally declared by Moscow, there was fighting and, according to Ukrainian sources, people were killed. Western military experts are always amazed at the efforts of the Russians, who suffered heavy casualties there, just to secure what the experts consider to be a strategically unimportant location. Now the founder of the Russian mercenary group Wagner has revealed why Bachmut is so important.
Yevgeny Prigoshin, also known as “Putin’s cook” and who gave up his shadowy existence in the course of the Ukraine war and increasingly puts pressure on the public, justifies the bitter advance with huge tunnel systems. “The icing on the cake is the Soledar and Bakhmut mining system, which is actually a network of underground cities,” Prigozhin explained on his Telegram channel on Saturday. “Not only can it accommodate a large group of people at a depth of 80 to 100 meters, it can also move tanks and infantry fighting vehicles,” says the 61-year-old. Weapons have been stored in these tunnels since the First World War. Bachmut is therefore an important logistics center with unique defensive positions.
Interested in salt and gypsum mines?
US sources said on Thursday that Prigozhin wanted to take control of the region’s salt and gypsum mines for commercial reasons. The alleged military use of the underground facilities was not mentioned.
Bakhmut is called Artyomovsk by the Russian side. A tunnel system of mines is known to extend for more than 100 miles in the region. In peacetime, concerts and football matches were held in a large underground hall.
In addition to Bakhmut, the area around the city of Kreminna in the Luhansk region is currently also subject to fierce competition. “For the past three weeks, fighting around Kreminna has centered on the densely forested area to the west of the town,” the British Defense Ministry’s daily summary report said on Saturday. Since the woods provided some privacy for aerial observation even in winter, both sides would likely have difficulty accurately timing artillery fire.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
