Putin replaces commander of Russia’s war in Ukraine after just 3 months
NBCNov 02, 2022
Day 323: Kyiv 'Holding On' to Soledar in Donetsk, Ukrainian Minister Says
Image copyright: AP Photos [via AP News]
The Facts
Ukraine's deputy defense minister Hanna Malyar said on Thursday that the country's forces are "holding on" to the Donetsk town of Soledar — contradicting earlier claims from Russia's Wagner mercenary group that it had taken control of the town.
The message was echoed by Ukrainian Pres. Volodymyr Zelenskyy in his nightly address on Wednesday. "Now the terrorist state and its propagandists are trying to pretend [that they have achieved success in Soledar]," he said. However, "fighting continues" Zelenskyy stated.
The Spin
Pro-Russia narrative
After having taken Soledar, Russia can now use freed-up forces to achieve similar results in Bakhmut, which it will be able to attack from multiple directions. The success in Soledar also opens the door for further Russian advances in the wider Donetsk region.
Anti-Russia narrative
Russia is spreading false news about the capture of Soledar in order to give its population positive news from an otherwise disastrous military campaign. Russia is also desperately trying to shore up support ahead of future mobilization drives.