Head of Russia's Wagner group: we are beginning to get needed ammunition

Smoke erupts following a shell explosion, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Bakhmut, Donetsk region, Ukraine in this screengrab obtained from a handout video released on May 7, 2023. Adam Tactic Group/Handout via REUTERS

(Reuters) - The head of Russia's mercenary Wagner group said on Monday his troops were beginning to receive ammunition needed to press their advance to capture the long-besieged eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut.

"Today, the groups advanced a maximum of 130 metres (400 feet) ... Fierce fighting is going on, but the groups are continuing to advance," Yevgeny Prigozhin said in an audio message posted on social media.