The head of Russias Wagner mercenary force, Yevgeny Prigozhin, said on Thursday the group could learn from Ukraines army as battles continue for the crucial east Ukrainian town of Bakhmut.

The Ukrainian army is working plainly and harmoniously.

We have a lot to learn from them, Prigozhin stated in a declaration released by his press service.

He firmly insisted the settlement of Artemovsk will be captured, utilizing the Russian name for Bakhmut.

For numerous months, Russias Armed Forces and Wagner mercenary fighters have been trying to capture the town in Ukraines eastern Donetsk region.Moscow looks for to take control of the entire of Donetsk.Prigozhin and the Russian armed force recently made opposing claims about the seizure of Soledar, a salt-mining town near Bakhmut, triggering reports of a rift that the Kremlin denied.Russias Defense Ministry revealed the liberation of Soledar on Friday.

It followed up with a statement applauding the brave Wagner forces, in an uncommon acknowledgment of the contribution made by the personal fighting group.

On Thursday, Prigozhin said his units had claimed more ground near Bakhmut, catching the village of Klishchiivka.

We can securely state that the settlement of Klishchiivka, which is among the essential suburban areas of Bakhmut, has actually been completely taken under the control of Wagner PMC units, Prigozhin said.AFP might not instantly verify these claims.

The mercenary outfit established in 2014-- which has been involved in conflicts in Africa, Latin America and the Middle East-- shot to prominence after President Vladimir Putin sent out troops into Ukraine on Feb.

24, 2022.

Prigozhin has criticized Russias routine army in Ukraine in the wake of several problems on the ground over the previous months, and has suggested his fighting group has not been provided appropriate acknowledgment.