Prigozhin invented a story about underground cities in Bakhmut – ISW
According to analysts, Prigozhin’s statement is probably an attempt to explain the full pace of “Wagner’s” advance around Bakhmut, but it can also partially explain his months-long and expensive determination to establish control over the territory.
A former Russian officer and blogger criticized Prigozhin and Russian commanders, saying they all knew about the mine when planning the offensive, and dismissed claims of historic weapons in the area.
Bloggers accept that even if the military captures Soledar, Prigozhin and the Russian military will lose strategically by throwing their best forces into a battle of attrition.
Prigozhin also continues to publicly join the ranks of elected Russian governors, seeking to increase his influence and advance his personal interests in Russia.
Governor of Kursk Oblast Roman Starovoit visited the training base of “Wagner”
The media claimed that Starovoit did not receive an offer to sign a contract with “Wagner”, which he refused due to his civic duties.
Some Russian media even presented Starova’s visit to the training ground as an example of behavior for Russian politics, which further enhanced Prigozhin’s image as a patriotic wartime leader in the Russian information space. Analysts believe that Prigozhinka is probably trying to gain support for the legalization of “Wagner” in Russia.
Earlier, the White House said that Prigozhin was interested in take control of deposits in the Bakhmut area.. also, salt and gypsum mines.
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