The head of the Russian mercenary group, Wagner, offered in late January to reveal Russian military positions in Kiev in exchange for a Ukrainian withdrawal around Bakhmut, The Washington Post reported Monday, citing Pentagon documents.
Yevgeny Prigozhin, whose fighters have been leading the battle for the eastern Ukrainian city, made the offer through his secret communications with Ukrainian intelligence, which he has maintained throughout the war, the US newspaper reported.
The documents do not indicate which Russian positions Prigozhin would have renounced.
The documents do not reveal Prigozhin's intention to speak with his enemies, but it is not unusual for warring countries to maintain some form of communication. However, Kiev reportedly rejected the offer as they do not trust the boss of the Wagner Group.
According to another document, Prigozhin also told Ukraine that the Russian army was fighting with ammunition and advised them to push towards the Crimean border.
On Monday, Wagner's founder, through a post on Telegram, has denied that he offered Russian positions, while the Kremlin has stated that the "Washington Post" report sounds like a hoax.
During the battle for Bakhmut, the longest and bloodiest battle of the Ukrainian war, Prigozhin repeatedly attacked Russian military commanders, complaining that Moscow was not sending enough weapons to his fighters to take the city.
Last week, Wagner's chief threatened to withdraw his forces unless more weapons were sent to the front line, but later said he had been told they would be considered traitors if they left.
