Russia-Ukraine war live: conflicting claims over who controls embattled Soledar; Wagner ‘may make up quarter of Russian combatants’

Wagner Group claims control of town but Ukraine says it is still being shelled; West believes mercenary group playing increasingly significant role

Wagner Group, Russia’s mercenary, has claimed control of the salt-mining town Soledar, a town in Eastern Ukriaine, despite Ukrainian officials reporting that their soldiers are still resisting the attack.

Reuters reports that Ukrainian military’s morning summary mentioned Soledar, listing the town as one of several being shelled in the Donetsk region.

Russia’s capture of Soledar and its huge salt mines would have symbolic, military and commercial value for Russia. But the situation in and around Soledar appeared fluid.

The British Defence Ministry earlier said Russian troops and Wagner fighters had probably taken control of most of Soledar after four days of advances.