Russia's military invasion of Ukraine continues.
Russian and Ukrainian forces are fighting in various parts of Ukraine, and many civilians have fled the country. We will update the situation in Ukraine from time to time on the 21st (Japan time), including the status of the battle and the diplomacy of the countries concerned.
(There is a 6-hour time difference between Japan and Ukraine and Moscow, Russia)
UK Ministry of Defence: "Redeploy multiple units to Bakhmut, Russia?"
The British Ministry of Defense pointed out in an analysis on the 20th that "the Russian army seems to have redeployed multiple units in order to strengthen the forces in the direction of Bakhmut in the past four days."
"By the middle of this month, Ukrainian forces had achieved tactical victories around the battlegrounds, in response to Wagener's unit questioning the continuation of the fighting," he said. He also argues that the redeployment shows that the Russian leadership is adamant about taking control of Bakhmut in order to claim a certain level of war results.
Wagener 'seizes Bakhmut' Ukrainian army 'not true'
Prigozhin, the representative of Wagener, a Russian private military company that sends many fighters to the fierce battle zone of Bakhmut in eastern Ukraine, posted a video statement on social media on the 20th, claiming that "we have taken control of Bakhmut today." "From the 25th, we will withdraw our troops for rest and retraining, build the necessary defensive lines by then, and hand them over to the Russian army." The Russian Ministry of Defense announced on the 20th that "assault troops continued the fighting in the western part of the city" about Bakhmut, but so far there has been no reaction to Wagener's claims.
Meanwhile, a spokesman for Ukraine's Eastern Command strongly denied to Reuters, saying: "The allegations are not true, our troops are fighting." In addition, Ukraine's Deputy Minister of Defense Mallar also posted on SNS on the 20th, "The situation is critical, but we are still defending," and claimed that they are fighting a thorough war.
White House "President Biden meets with President Zelensky"
The White House announced that President Biden will meet with President Zelensky of Ukraine in Hiroshima, where the G21 summit is being held, on the afternoon of the 7st, Japan time. President Biden is expected to directly emphasize to President Zelensky that U.S. military assistance is unwavering.
In addition, the White House announced that President Biden will hold a trilateral summit meeting with Prime Minister Kishida and South Korean President Yoon Sung-nyeol.