The founder of PIK Wagner, Yevgeny Prigozhin, tried to cover up his real interests in the area of \u200b\u200bBakhmut and Soledar with stories about " This is stated in the report of the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) for January 8.

The point is that Prigozhin tried to justify the importance of the mines around Bakhmut and Soledar, which Russian troops were trying to seize from Ukrainian defenders, by saying that these mines have “unique and historical defensive structures” that act as a “network of underground cities”. He also said that these mines can accommodate personnel and military equipment at a depth of 80-100 meters and are provided with weapons from the First World War..

“Prigozhin’s statements are likely an attempt to explain the slow pace of Wagner’s advance around Bakhmut, but may also partly explain his months-long and costly determination to take control of the territory,” the ISW report says..

ISW analysts also reported that to this end, Prigozhin is forging ties with some Russian governors in an attempt to increase his influence and promote his personal interests in Russia, as opposed to a clear victory in the war..

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Recall that the first about the business interests of Prigozhin in the capture of Bakhmut were reported in the United States. The White House believes that it is interested in taking control of salt and gypsum deposits in the Bakhmut area.