Ukrainian forces surround Bakhmut despite Russian victory claim

Ukrainian forces have partly encircled the besieged eastern city of Bakhmut along the flanks and still maintain control of a private sector in the city, Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Maliar said.

FILE PHOTO: A general view shows an empty street and buildings damaged by a Russian military strike, as Russia's attack on Ukraine continues, in the front line city of Bakhmut, Ukraine March 3, 2023. REUTERS/Oleksandr Ratushniak

KYIV (Reuters) - Ukrainian forces have partly encircled the besieged eastern city of Bakhmut along the flanks and still maintain control of a private sector in the city, Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Maliar said on Sunday.

She made the remarks on the Telegram messaging app shortly after Russian President Vladimir Putin said the battle had ended with a Russian victory.

(Reporting by Dan Peleschuk;Editing by Elaine Hardcastle)