“Wagner Mercenaries Leaving Positions in Bahmut, Ukraine”

“Wagner” mercenaries, by all accounts, have started to leave some positions in Bahmut, according to the latest report.

“Wagner” founder Yevgeniis Prigozhin announced on May 25 that the Wagnerites will hand over their positions in Bakhmut to the Russian Ministry of Defense by June 1.

Bahmut time-lapse

-WarTimedia pic.twitter.com/aGXQIrYNx4

— MARIA (@its_maria012) May 23, 2023

Ukrainian Deputy Minister of Defense Hanna Maliara also confirmed that “Wagner” forces are leaving the outskirts of the city.

According to the information of the intelligence service, on May 24, the fighters of the armed formations of the occupied Donetsk region had already entered Bakhmut to start the “cleaning” operation.

In recent weeks, units of the 31st Brigade of the Russian Airborne Forces have, as is understood, been deployed in the Svatove-Kreminna district to strengthen the flanks near Bakhmut.

By May 16, the Ukrainian army had occupied 20 square kilometers on the flanks of Bakhmut.

This is how #Bahmut #Ukraine looks now (drone footage). #Russia destroyed everything. pic.twitter.com/YkXuJR5RTD

— Vera Mironova (@vera_mironov) May 26, 2023

The rotation of Russian units appears to take place in controlled stages to prevent devastation in the districts around the city.

Although tensions between Prigozhin and the Ministry of Defense continue, the Wagner units are likely to be used in future offensive operations in Donbas after regrouping.