Russia Claims Major Win, Taking Control of Soledar

Russia Claims Major Win, , Taking Control of Soledar.

On January 12, Russia claimed to have taken "full control" of the town of Soledar in eastern Ukraine.

On January 12, Russia claimed to have taken "full control" of the town of Soledar in eastern Ukraine.

'The Hill' reports that the news marks the first Russian win on the battlefield in months.

According to the Russian defense ministry, the salt mining town was , “of great importance for the continuing successful offensive operations in the Donetsk direction.” .

The town of Soledar lies near the city of Bakhmut in the Donetsk region, which has seen intense fighting since the beginning of the war.

According to the Russian ministry, possession of Soledar will give Moscow control of vital supply routes for Ukrainian forces.

On January 13, a Ukrainian official denied Russia's claims, stating that fighting was still ongoing.

According to CNN, there appeared to be an organized retreat of Ukrainian troops from the town.

Despite the apparent withdrawal, CNN reports that mortar and rocket bombardment has continued.

'The Hill' reports that Russia's early goal of targeting Kyiv has largely been refocused on control of the Donbas in eastern Ukraine.

'The Hill' reports that Russia's early goal of targeting Kyiv has largely been refocused on control of the Donbas in eastern Ukraine.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has now entered into its tenth month