Ukraine news latest: Kyiv says ‘Russia gathering forces for another escalation’ as conflicting claims surround Soledar

UKRAINE has claimed that Putin is “gathering forces for another escalation” as both sides release conflicting claims as intense fighting engulfs the town of Soledar. Volodymyr Zelensky claimed in his nightly address that a “new level of modern military equipment” was needed now more than ever as “Russia is gathering forces for another escalation”. The Ukrainian added that “we must do everything to make it clear to Russia’s masters that no escalation will help them”, It comes as Russia’s mercenary Wagner Group has claimed control over the town of Soledar despite Kyiv’s claims that its soldiers are holding out. Ukraine’s Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Maliar claimed that “heavy fighting is continuing”. Read our Ukraine war blog below for the latest news…