Media quoted the words of the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, during the G7 summit in Hiroshima, alleging he stated he wasn't confident of Bakhmut being under Ukrainian control. Zelensky's spokesperson, Serhiy Nikiforov, later wrote that the President had denied the takeover of Bakhmut.
Media reported that when asked during the G7 summit in Hiroshima whether Ukraine controlled the city, Zelensky had replied: "I think, no."
However, as Nikiforov clarified, the question was asked differently, specifically: "russians say they have taken Bakhmut", to which Zelensky responded "I think, no." Thus, the President denied the takeover of Bakhmut, his spokesperson emphasised.
"There's nothing left. They've destroyed everything. There are no buildings. It's a pity, it's a tragedy, but for today Bakhmut is only in our hearts," said Zelensky.