It’s mid-afternoon in Kyiv. Here’s what you need to know

The pinnacle of the Russian non-public navy firm Wagner has issued a video message from inside the town of Bakhmut, standing in entrance of a tank monument located within the japanese a part of the town.

Yevgeny Prigozhin dismissed Ukrainian claims that Wagner was taking heavy losses within the battle for Bakhmut and was near completed as a combating drive.

“We are going to conquer this frontier with dignity,” he stated.

“The [Russian] Protection Minister has informed you that after capturing Bakhmut, the operational house will open. And the world has not but confronted the Russian military, which is effectively ready, with these models that haven’t but entered into battle, with all potential trendy weapons, intelligence, ideally ready,” he added.

“They’re ready for his or her time. Proper after the opening of the operational house by PMC Wagner after Bakhmut. Then the entire world will shudder.”

Prigozhin additionally addressed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky with an enchantment. 

“The one request — take out the aged, kids. And (ship) right here regular combat-ready models.” 

“We have to cope with you right here now,” he stated.

Some background: Prigozhin shared an audio clip on Telegram earlier Wednesday, claiming that the japanese a part of the Ukrainian metropolis of Bakhmut is now beneath Wagner’s management. CNN can’t independently verify Prigozhin’s declare. Whereas the Ukrainian navy didn’t handle his claims, it stated that Russian assaults within the Bakhmut space proceed, however described them as unsuccessful and incurring heavy losses.