The operation "shows the difficulty the Russian army had in advancing" on the city, Macron said. CNN could not independently verify Prigozhin’s claim, but an initial response from the Ukrainian side disputed it. Macron did not speak further on the Wagner claim, but said the presence of Zelensky at the G7 summit in Hiroshima is "important." The French president also said the G7 is an opportunity to "discuss, exchange views and convince partners" invited this year – including India, Indonesia and Brazil – regarding Ukraine. "There will be the opportunity to explain the situation," he told reporters.

Source: CNN May 21, 2023 16:50 UTC