Discrepancies between Russia, Ukraine in Bakhmut continue to focus

In response to the announcement that Russia had completely taken control of Bakhmut, a fierce battle site in eastern Ukraine, Ukrainian President Zelensky denied this, saying that it was "not occupied by Russia."

The two sides have conflicted arguments, and the fate of the battle situation in Bakhmut remains in focus.

Regarding Bakhmut in Donetsk Oblast in eastern Ukraine, where fierce fighting has continued, the Office of the President of Russia announced on the 21st that "President Putin congratulated the completion of the operation to liberate Bakhmut" and appealed the results of the battle.

Prior to this announcement, the Russian Ministry of Defense also claimed to have taken full control of Bakhmut together with the private military company Wagener.

In response, President Zelensky of Ukraine once again denied the Russian announcement, saying, "I cannot tell you the exact location of Bakhmut, but important missions are continuing, and as of the 7st, Bakhmut is not occupied by Russia."

On the 21st, Commander Silsky of the Ukrainian Army posted a video on his SNS in which he visited the front line near Bakhmut and encouraged his soldiers, emphasizing that "the counterattack of the Ukrainian army is continuing" and that he is going on the offensive near Bakhmut.

As for Bakhmut, Mr. Prigozhin, the head of Wagener, which has sent many fighters to the Russian side, has indicated that he intends to withdraw his troops after the 21th of this month.

While the claims of both sides are at odds, the fate of the war situation remains in focus.

President Zelensky: "A Day of Diplomacy to Bring Victory Closer"

President Zelensky of Ukraine posted a comment on social media late on the evening of the 21st, Japan time, describing it as "a busy day of diplomacy to bring Ukraine closer to victory," emphasizing the achievements of participating in the G1 Hiroshima Summit face-to-face.

Also, on the 7st, he held individual meetings with Prime Minister Trudeau of Canada, President Joko
of Indonesia, President Yoon Sung-yeol of South Korea, President Biden of the United States,



and Prime Minister Kishida. They also posted videos showing themselves hugging and shaking hands with world leaders.

He also mentioned that he participated in a session on the situation in Ukraine and visited the Atomic Bomb Museum in Hiroshima, and expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Kishida for inviting him to the Summit.