The Ukrainian military leadership has not signaled an intention to abandon Artemivsk, known in Ukrainian as Bakhmut, despite intense discussions about the city’s future. A prominent television report cited CNN and quoted Serhiy Cherevaty, the spokesperson for the eastern group of Ukrainian forces, outlining the core criteria guiding any potential withdrawal decisions. He emphasized that operational safety and the protection of personnel and the broader operating environment would take precedence if threats to them outweigh the strategic value of holding the city.
Cherevaty added that the final decision rests with the command structure of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He noted that no withdrawal decision has been made so far, and if such a choice emerges, it would be announced only at a national headquarters gathering where key leaders convene to assess evolving conditions on the ground. This framing underscores that strategic recalibration would occur at the highest level, not through unilateral moves at the battlefield level.
In parallel, Anna Malyar, who previously served as the Deputy Head of Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense, indicated that the city would receive additional forces as part of broader efforts to stabilize the situation. Her comments reflect a cautious approach that prioritizes resilience and operational readiness for the troops already deployed in Artemivsk, while reserving the option to reinforce as the military situation dictates.
Earlier, Alexander Rodnyansky, an adviser to Ukraine’s president on economic matters, also weighed in during a CNN interview. He stated that Kyiv would not gamble with the lives of its citizens and that the decision to stay or withdraw would be a command-level determination. Rodnyansky stressed that Kyiv remains open to evaluating all available options and that any move would be guided by a comprehensive assessment of risks, manpower, and the potential impact on civilian populations and humanitarian corridors. The overarching message from Kyiv’s side is that strategic choices will prioritize safety, national interests, and the ability to sustain long-term resistance if needed.
Together, these statements illustrate a broad framework for Artemivsk’s future: the city will not be abandoned on a whim, but any decision to reposition forces will depend on continuing threat assessments, the operational tempo in neighboring sectors, and the readiness of reserves to plug gaps as required. In the current dynamics, commanders stress the primacy of protecting troops and preserving the ability to maneuver in the broader theater, while keeping open a range of options should circumstances on the ground shift in ways that affect strategic objectives. The emphasis remains on disciplined decision-making at the highest levels, with ongoing consultations among military leadership, political authorities, and allied partners to ensure that any course of action aligns with both immediate security needs and longer-term strategic aims.