Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensk* walked back comments Sunday that appeared to confirm earlier Russian claims that its forces captured the city of Bakhmut following months [1 Oct 2022-20 May 2022]  of bloody and intense fighting.

archived 'Is your goal to help Russia?'
...It doesn't matter where the documents are from. The question is with which Ukrainian official did you talk? Because if they say something about our intelligence, that's treason. If they say something about a specific offensive plan of one general or another, this is also treason. That's why I asked you, which Ukrainians are you talking to?...

"I think not," Ukraine's leader said after being asked by a reporter whether Ukraine still controlled the eastern city that has been under siege for eight months. Zelensk* made the comments, while speaking alongside President Joe Biden during an appearance on the final day of the Group of Seven summit in Hiroshima, ["the symbol of peace"].

"For today, Bakhmut is only in our hearts. There is nothing in this place," Zelensk* said. He said the fight had left nothing in Bakhmut but a lot of "dead Russians."

However, Zelensk*'s office later denied that Russia captured the city. It said his comments were a reference to the complete destruction of Bakhmut. It is so far the longest and likely the bloodiest battle of the war. An estimated 20,000-30,000 Russian troops have died fighting there and Ukraine has also suffered heavy losses.