The Latest Breaking News from SOLEDAR

Kyiv officials say intensity of fighting comparable to Second World War, with Russian mercenary group claiming ‘complete liberation’ of town

Valery Gerasimov to replace Sergei Surovikin, who was appointed in October, as Zelenskiy mocks claims of Russian victory in Soledar

Russian and Ukrainian forces were engaged in intense fighting on Wednesday over the town of Soledar in eastern Ukraine - a stepping stone in Moscow's push to capture the entire Donbas region - with the Russians appearing to have the upper hand.

Russia replaces war leader for second time since October

Ukraine's military denied on Wednesday that Russian forces had taken control of the eastern town of Soledar, and said the intensity of battles in the area could be compared to fighting in World War Two.

Russia said on Wednesday that it was making progress in military operations around the small salt mining town of Soledar in eastern Ukraine and had positive momentum, but acknowledged suffering heavy casualties.

The fate of a devastated salt-mining town in eastern Ukraine is hanging in the balance

As the Russia-Ukraine war enters its 322nd day, we take a look at the main developments.

The head of Russia's mercenary group Wagner, Yevgeny Prigozhin, said early Wednesday his fighters had taken control of Ukraine's city of Soledar after intense fighting this week, but some "urban battles" continued. "Wagner units have taken control of the whole territory of Soledar," Prigozhin said through his press service on…