Zelensky denies capture of Bakhmut by Russians - presidential press secretary

Earlier, a number of media outlets quoted a video from the G-7 summit as saying that Zelenskyy allegedly said in response to journalists' questions that Ukraine was no longer in control of the city.

For his part, Nikiforov noted that because the journalist asked two questions in a row, it was unclear which question Zelensky had answered.

The question about Bakhmut was worded as follows:

- Russia said they have taken Bakhmut.

- I think not.

Ukraine's official position is that Bakhmut has not been captured. Earlier on the morning of 21 May, the Ukrainian General Staff also stated this , confirming that the fighting for Bakhmut had not stopped.

As we know, fierce fighting for the town, which is now practically destroyed, has been going on since last year. One of the main Russian groups trying to capture Bakhmut is the private military company Vagner. Their ringleader Yevgeny Prigozhin has previously claimed the capture of Bakhmut, but the Ukrainian side denies this. Moreover, in recent days, the Ukrainian Armed Forces have claimed a counter-offensive and the liberation of part of the city.