Prigozhin shakes Russian defence minister for ammo, threatens Wagner retreat from Bakhmut 

In an interview with a pro-war reporter, founder of PMC Wagner Yevgeny Prigozhin said he had written a letter to Russian Defence Minister Sergey Shoigu threatening the retreat of Wagner troops from their positions in Bakhmut unless the ministry provides them with ammunition. Independent outlet IStories first brought the attention to Prigozhin’s statement.

According to Prigozhin, only 20-25% of the PMC’s needs with regard to basic artillery are currently being covered. “Due to the shortage of ammunition, PMC Wagner is suffering serious losses. I won’t name figures,” he said in conversation with pro-war reporter Semyon Pegov. 

Prigozhin demanded the issue be solved the same day his letter was sent — 28 April, saying that “the bell is already tolling”.

“If the shortage of ammunition is not met, we will have to either retreat — in an organised fashion, so as not to flee like rats later on — or die. We will most likely be forced to withdraw some of the troops from this area”, he explained. 

Without ammunition, PMC Wagner might “come to an end”, Prigozhin warned.