ISTANBUL

The situation around Bakhmut in Ukraine's Donetsk region is “very difficult,” head of the Wagner paramilitary group said on Sunday as battle for the eastern city Moscow has been trying to take for months rages on.

“The situation in Bakhmut is difficult, very difficult. The enemy is fighting for every meter, and the closer we are to the city center, the harder the battles,” Yevgeny Prigozhin said in a message on Telegram.

Wagner has been spearheading offensives against cities in eastern Ukraine including Bakhmut, a large transport hub through which Ukrainian troops in Donbas are supplied with weapons, military equipment and ammunition.

Prigozhin said Ukraine is deploying “endless reserves” but they are gaining ground despite the resistance.

“We are moving forward and will continue to move forward and we will not shame the glory of Russian weapons," he added.

Donetsk is one of four regions in Ukraine annexed by Russia last September following “sham” referendums.