Russian President Vladimir Putin justified the military invasion of Ukraine by condemning the Western side for increasing military support to Ukraine. In response, Ukrainian President Zelensky pointed out that the Russian side tried to seize control of the fierce battlefield in eastern Ukraine by Victory Day, but failed.
Private military company Wagener, which is participating in the battle with the regular Russian army, has indicated its intention to withdraw from Bakhmut due to a lack of ammunition, and it has been point out that Russian side is out of step.