Kyiv, Ukraine – The Battle of Bakhmut rages on as Ukrainian forces continue to repel multiple attacks from Russian-backed militants. The situation has been deemed “critical” by officials in Kyiv.

Military analyst Mark Thompson says the best course of action for Ukraine now is to maintain their defense and wait for diplomatic solutions to be reached.

Meanwhile, Russian oligarch Yevgeny Prigozhin, who is believed to finance the Russian mercenary group, Wagner, has released a music video hinting at a major breakthrough in Bakhmut.

The video features Prigozhin himself, dubbed the “chef of Putin,” as he dances in front of military vehicles and armed soldiers. The lyrics allude to a “victory” in Bakhmut and the lyrics say “we will win, Russia will conquer.”

Ukrainian officials have condemned the video, calling it propaganda and an attempt to intimidate the Ukrainian forces.

The conflict in Bakhmut has been ongoing since 2014 when Russian forces annexed Crimea and pro-Russian separatists declared independence in eastern Ukraine. The conflict has since escalated into a full-blown war, causing thousands of casualties and displacing millions of people.

The situation remains tense as both sides continue to clash in the region. Diplomatic efforts to reach a resolution have been ongoing but have yet to yield significant results.