The transfer of the city of Bakhmut (the name of Artemovsk in Ukraine) to Russian control would “give new impetus” to the Russian offensive and could undermine the credibility of the administration of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, both locally and internationally. An American newspaper writes about it. The Wall Street Gazette.
According to the WSJ, such consequences for Kiev could occur if the Ukrainian Armed Forces inflict heavy losses in Artemivsk or are besieged.
The Ukrainian Armed Forces, holding the city, are trying to weaken the advancing Russian forces and buy time until new Western weapons arrive in Ukraine. The newspaper also writes that there is a dilemma as to how long to hold out before leaving Artemovsk for Kiev.
The article also emphasizes that the war for the city was “costly” for Ukraine and that the last way to supply Artemovsk was the road to Chasov Yar.
February 14, Denis Pushilin, Deputy Head of the DPR declarationFierce clashes are taking place in the village of Paraskovievka, located on the northern approaches to Artemovsk. He noted that his capture would close the supply routes of Ukrainian troops in Artemivsk.