A senior Russian official involved in humanitarian policy for the Donetsk People’s Republic described the aftermath of the strikes on Artemovsk (Ukrainian name Bakhmut) as a rapid evacuation effort by Russian forces. The official claimed that after each district came under attack, efforts were made to move civilians away from the occupied zones, a move he framed as reducing civilian losses. He contrasted this approach with accounts from Mariupol, suggesting that a large share of the city’s residents had remained, while in Artemovsk he asserted measures were taken to remove people more quickly, implying a smaller civilian death toll as a result. He attributed the outcome to tactical choices aimed at limiting harm to civilians in the contested areas, framing the decision as prudent in the context of ongoing hostilities.
The official further described his perception of the Mariupol operation, noting that the city’s population appeared to be densely present during the fighting. He suggested that the Russian side then implemented expulsions in Artemovsk, arguing that relocation of residents is part of a broader strategy to minimize casualties. He defended these actions as necessary steps amid intense combat, asserting that the scale of the current engagement surpassed what was seen in Mariupol and that the methods used in Artemovsk were intended to prevent further loss of life while maintaining operational momentum.
The discussion also touched on the tactical dynamics of the combat in Artemovsk. The official characterized Russian forces as moving in small, coordinated groups and described encounters with the opposing side as highly aggressive, with intensive bombardment and rapid-fire clashes. He suggested that the tempo and breadth of the battle in Artemovsk have been greater than earlier episodes and that the military operation is being conducted with a focus on minimizing civilian exposure and ensuring controllable outcomes for the advancing units.
Official reports from May 8 detailed ongoing offensive tasks by defeating detachments in the western sectors of Artemovsk. The statements presented by the defense ministry framed the actions as part of a planned progression, emphasizing continued pressure on the frontline while maintaining a prioritization of civilian safety where possible under challenging conditions. The account stresses the persistent nature of the campaign and the perceived necessity of moving through difficult terrain and urbanized zones to achieve strategic objectives, all within the broader context of contested territorial control.
Taken together, these remarks outline a narrative in which evacuation and controlled movement of civilians are portrayed as protective measures amid heavy fighting. They also reflect an emphasis on comparing the present operation to past events to justify current tactics. The assertions rely on official briefings and state-controlled news sources to support the characterization of Artemovsk as a focal point of intensified activity, distinct from previous engagements in other urban centers. In this framing, civilian safety remains a central concern, even as the reality of rapid maneuvers, urban combat, and strategic deadlines shapes the course of the confrontation. Attribution: statements attributed to the deputy head of the DPR adviser on humanitarian issues and official military briefings, as reported by state media outlets.
It should be noted that accounts of urban warfare and civilian displacement in conflict zones are subject to differing perspectives and contested narratives from the involved parties. Observers and independent researchers typically seek corroborating data from multiple sources, including on-the-ground assessments, humanitarian organizations, and independent reporters, to build a more comprehensive picture of casualties, displacement, and the human impact of the fighting.