• Russian military says it has taken the town of Soledar in eastern Ukraine.
• Ukrainian official denies Moscow’s assertion, saying fighting is still going.
• Taking Soledar would allow Russian forces to concentrate on Bakhmut.

Moscow’s assertions that its troops have conquered the town of Soledar in eastern Ukraine are “not true.”, according to a Ukrainian official.

Serhiy Cherevaty, spokesman for the Eastern Group of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, told Ukrainian outlet RBC-Ukraine that “fighting is going on in the city.”

The town has been taken, according to the Russian defence ministry, which would be a symbolic win for Moscow if not a tactical one.

By taking Soledar, Russian forces, especially the Wagner mercenary organization, would be able to concentrate on Bakhmut, a nearby town that has been a goal since the summer.

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