Ukrainian military unit named after Boris Johnson ‘is annihilated by Wagner’s troops’
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Ukrainian military unit named after Boris Johnson ‘is annihilated by Wagner’s troops’, Russian mercenaries claim
- Wagner’s commander claimed that the Ukrainian 24 mechanized brigade was defeated
- The Ukrainian military unit had a flag with the message: ‘Boris Johnson Unit’
A Ukrainian military unit bearing the name of Boris Johnson was wiped out by Wagner’s Russian troops in the besieged city of Bakhmut, the mercenary group said today.
A Wagner commander claimed that the 24th Mechanized Brigade was defeated in heavy fighting at Bakhmut, as Kremlin forces attempt to encircle Ukrainian troops there.
Wagner’s troops posted a video online showing a Ukrainian flag and trophies inside a basement that had been used by Kiev forces.
On the flag, a message read: ‘Boris Johnson Unity. Boris Johnson.
The former prime minister is a hero in Ukraine for urging the West to support Kiev after Vladimir Putin launched his invasion. He has been repeatedly praised by the nation’s president, Volodymyr Zelensky.
Wagner claimed they found the Ukrainian military unit had a flag with the message: ‘Boris Johnson Unit’
Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson during his visit to kyiv in August 2022
Wagner’s troops released a video showing a Ukrainian flag and trophies inside a basement that had been used by kyiv forces.
A Wagner commander claimed in a video: ‘Johnson’s unit was holding a large fortress in the woods [in Bakhmut].’
“When they were attacked, a flag like this was found,” he said, showing Mr Johnson’s name on the material.
Ukraine has not confirmed whether its 24th Mechanized Brigade, which has been fighting in Bakhmut for months, has been defeated.
Previously, members of the unit participated in peacekeeping missions in Kosovo and Iraq and in international command and staff exercises for NATO, codenamed Peace Shield.
Moscow troops continue their relentless attacks on the small mining town in eastern Ukraine in their bid to capture it and encircle the defending forces.
Bakhmut had a population of around 70,000 before the war, but it fell into ruin after months of fighting, being the focal point of Russian attacks and Ukrainian defense.
‘The enemy continues to advance in the direction of Bakhmut. It doesn’t stop storming the city,” the Ukrainian military said at a morning briefing.
A Russian takeover would open the way to seize the last remaining urban settlements in the industrial province of Donetsk.
Zelensky, in a video address Tuesday night, said the battle for Bakhmut was “very difficult” but that his defense was essential.
Ukrainian soldiers mount a self-propelled howitzer, as Russia’s attack on Ukraine continues near Bakhmut on Monday.
Bakhmut had a population of around 70,000 before the war, but it was ruined during months of fighting as a focal point for Russian attacks and determined Ukrainian defense.
“Russia in general does not take people into account and sends them in constant waves against our positions, the intensity of the fighting only increases,” Zelensky said.
Ukrainian military analyst Oleh Zhdanov said the invading troops had opened a gap between two villages north of Bakhmut, Berkhivka and Yahidne, in an attempt to encircle the city.
“This advance on Bakhmut’s northern flank represents a clear threat to us,” he said in comments on social media.
Although most of the Russian attacks were focused on Bakhmut and other Donetsk cities and towns, the Ukrainian army said its forces had repelled 85 Russian attacks on different sections of the front line over the past day.