Why I reported that they claim full control, while the other side claims advances on the flanks. Ukraine is trying to surround the ruins. If they do this, they can also bypass it,and wait for the Russians to starve.

Here is what Volymedia is reporting. After I went to print, but speaks to this very well:

What did Prigogine take?

The correct answer is the flags of the Russian Federation and PMCs, armed with which he recorded his video about the end of the battles for Bakhmut.

Our interlocutors in the Armed Forces of Ukraine do not confirm the withdrawal of Ukrainian units from the city. Nor does the Russian military stationed in the area confirm it. In the morning there were rumors that the Armed Forces of Ukraine left the western outskirts at night, but during the day they were not confirmed.

The situation around Bakhmut is such that "taking" or not taking the city will bring the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation as much benefit as a breathing mask for the dead.

The Ukrainian Armed Forces continue to move south and north of the city, in fact, according to the military from both sides, the city is already semi-encircled by Ukrainian units. If the Armed Forces of Ukraine leave the western outskirts, this will only strengthen the walls of the future boiler.

Why then did Prigogine record the video? We assume that he decided to play it safe and have time to announce the victory before the start of other events that were not at all rosy for the RF Armed Forces on this and other sectors of the front. Rumors of imminent and big news have been circulating this morning. What kind of news it will be and whether it will be at all is the question. We cannot yet confirm or deny the beginning of any events on the fronts. But there are conversations on both sides of the line of contact.

Another possible goal of Prigozhin’s speech is an attempt to stake a victory before the withdrawal of the bloodless PMC from Bakhmut. As far as we know from sources in the RF Armed Forces, the headquarters of the grouping decided to replace the mercenaries who suffered heavy losses with army units.

“The situation to the north and south is still under control, but especially to the north, it is getting worse every day. Therefore, it may be necessary either to leave positions in Artemovsk (Bakhmut) or to bring in fresh units there in order to try to hold the defense. "Wagner" in defense act worse than the army units and they have almost no strength left. They will be taken out for re-formation, they will be replaced there, or simply the positions will be surrendered - we'll see, ”comments the Russian staff officer.
@Volyamedia

https://t.me/volyamedia/655