Ukraine news latest: Putin ‘gathering forces for new escalation’ as Wagner mercenaries claim to take control of city

UKRAINE claims Putin is plotting a new escalation of the war amid claims Russian mercenaries have captured a key city. 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” of Putin’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine. 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…