This morning @ZelenskyyUa seemed to confirm that #Russia is in full control of #Bakhmut, saying "it's a pity, it's a tragedy, but for today Bakhmut is only in our hearts."
But later the #Ukraine President's Office later "clarified" they were still holding a position in the town.
#Putin's reponse came in a statement on the #Kremlin's website for "liberating" #Artemovsk (Soviet name for #Bakhmut)
Interestingly he congratulated #Wagner troops before the regular army.
It took almost a year for the "2nd army" to take the town of 75,000 people.
#Zelenskyy's comments came during a press conference after meeting with @POTUS
Joe Biden confirmed the news I wrote yesterday of a huge new tranche of military help from #USA for #Ukraine
F-16s will take a while, but this will help defend against the invaders #StandWithUkraine
Many thousands have died on both sides in and around #Bakhmut since those first bombs exactly a year ago.
One of the latest fallen #Ukraine heroes was Dmytro Kravets, a Ukrainian writer and director of the Kharkiv children's theater "Kazka"
#Russia's losses* in the last 24 hours though are huge.
730 invaders killed - so likely another 1500-2000 permanently injured. And look at the number of artillery systems taken out - FOUR times above average.
Controversy in Las Vegas early this morning where legendary #Ukraine boxer Vasiliy Lomachenko lost a unanimous points decision to undisputed lightweight champion Devin Haney.
Even the US crowd booed relentlessly at the decision going against Loma who fought in the war last year.
British #StormShadow missiles may have been used again on #Russia's occupiers.
Those fires in #Sverdlovsk region of #Russia are still causing problems.
Here a big pile-up as visibility was reduced to near zero in places.
#Georgia's national airline says it will not allow the country's President to step on board any flights.
It comes after pro-western Salome Zurabishvili criticised the airline, and the government, for allowing flights to/from #Russia, which still occupies two parts of Georgia.
I don't know what #Russia's Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education had done wrong, but the seeminly fit and healthy 46 year old has keeled over on a flight.
Pyotr Kucherenko, returning from a business trip to Cuba, died despite an emergency landing for treatment.
#Ukraine's confirmed the news that their forces have "partly encircled" #Bakhmut.
This is not breaking news as some media are reporting. It's more of a status quo from yesterday, pointing out the advantageous positions they now have on the flanks.
It's one of the most moving sights when you witness it in real life.
The way #Ukraine reacts to the return of its fallen heroes is always the same. It's another startling difference in the culture between Russians and Ukrainians.
The exiled Mayor of #Melitopol has raised good points on #Ukraine TV to show how rampant corruption is among #Russia and its occupiers.
Ivan Fedorov points out the candidates list for 'elections' includes pseudo governor Balytsky and also his son and niece and her husband too💩
Time to say "vielen dank" to my supporters for supplying me with virtual coffee this morning.
The President of the USA outlines the huge cost for #Russia is its year long attempt to capture a small town in #Donetsk (they first entered the place they call #Artemovsk almost 11 months ago)
(Casualties = dead and injured)
#Ukraine still giving positive signs in #Bakhmut despite the Russian celebrations over the capture of the ruins.
🇺🇦's 3rd separate assault brigade claims another 700m of territory is reclaimed along an almost 2km width.
Claims cannot be verified.
Anger among Ukrainians and many Spaniards too after a couple of #Barcelona players recorded a special message thanking fans in #Russia for their support.
Defender Alex Balde + midfielder Sergi Roberto made the recording - not known whether it was sanctioned by the club or not.
Tolstoy is on the move again.
This time #Odesa council has voted to remove this statue of the Russian writer from the Ploshcha L'va Tolstoho (Leo Tolstoy Sq)
It will be kept in the city museum.
Journalists in #Germany make new allegations linking #Ukraine to the Nord Stream pipeline explosions.
But they admit it may just be another false flag operation.
Yet more reports coming in of #Ukraine advancing on the flanks of #Bakhmut.
Again this is unverified and it's possible an info war to raise morale, but Ukraine's army is saying after heavy fighting they've managed to move forward an additional 200-500 metres.
Day 1300 of Putin's war.
Another 100 days of fighting completed.
We are no nearer peace than we were 100 days ago.
Almost 200 days ago Trump demanded a 30-day unconditional ceasefire.
Not surprising as he started it, it's always Putin stopping peace.
Here's Monday's daily🧵
If you were busy over the weekend, click the link to see all Sunday's stories.
It was a day when Ukraine had to quickly repair a main railway line after a massive explosion, but they also managed to make multiple hits on Russia's rail and oil industries
Hello on Day 1298 of Russia's full invasion of its sovereign neighbour. So, only 1295 days late in fulfilling the boast of taking Kyiv in 3 days. #EATP for Putin.
I've compiled a🧵every single day without fail.
You can help my work with a boost, comment, re-post or a coffee🙏
Friday saw more important visitors arrive in Kyiv (and another familiar place is in Ukraine today).
There was more solidarity and practical support, while Russia suffered more oil woes.
I'll start in Odesa, because that's where the familiar face has turned up.
He was planning to return to Ukraine a couple of weeks ago, but couldn't make it, but now Boris is back.
Loved by nearly all Ukrainians, his early arrival (with Lord Ashcroft) meant he avoids the crowds.
Day 1297 of Russia's imperialist war, but the senior bully keeps being given a bloody nose by the junior school kid next door. How embarrassing for the "world's second greatest army" and more 'punches' thrown by Ukraine overnight..
There was so much in yesterday's thread.
Russia hitting churches, Ukraine striking a boat.
The US helping Belarus, which helps🇷🇺 & Trump questioning if the drone attack on Poland was a mistake.
Thursday ended with a Ukraine drone surge into Russia:
Here we go then, another day in Russia's imperial war on Ukraine
Too many "allies" of Ukraine lacked vision, understanding or balls, or all three and merely tried to stop the punching, while the US now rather sadistically aids the killing while shouting "peace"
It's Monday's🧵
Day 1293 has started quietly, but with politicians back in offices, there may be developments later.
Sunday was a day of violence, recrimination and clearing up after the worst single night's attack in world history, in terms of projectiles.
Review here: