Zelensky says Russian troops in Bakhmut but town 'not occupied'

HIROSHIMA, Japan

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Sunday that Russian troops were in Bakhmut -- which Moscow claimed it captured a day earlier -- but insisted the east Ukrainian town was "not occupied".

"Today they (Russian troops) are in Bakhmut," Zelensky said at a press conference during the G7 summit in Hiroshima.

But he added: "Bakhmut is not occupied by Russia today."

"I cannot share with you the tactical views of our military. The most difficult thing would be if there was some tactical mistake in Bakhmut and our people were surrounded," he said.

Ukraine has denied Russian claims made on Saturday that it had fully captured the city after the longest battle of the war.

Deputy Defence Minister Ganna Malyar has instead claimed that Ukrainian troops are advancing "in the suburbs on the flanks", which would make it "very difficult for the enemy to be in Bakhmut".

Ukrainian soldiers have "semi-encircled the city", she said, adding that Ukraine was still in control of a residential area and some industrial facilities.