Russia's mercenary Wagner Group has claimed control over the town of Soledar in eastern Ukraine - but Kyiv says its soldiers are holding out.

Russia's media carried a statement purported to be by the Wagner head, Yevgeniy Prigozhin, who said Ukrainians were encircled in the city centre.

Ukraine's Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Maliar earlier said that "heavy fighting is continuing".

The claims by both sides have not been independently verified.

Please subscribe HERE http://bit.ly/1rbfUog

#Ukraine #Russia #BBCNews