Denis Pushilin, the deputy head of the Donetsk People’s Republic, stated that Kiev has not yet begun to pull its forces out of Artemovsk, known in Ukrainian as Bakhmut. The update, attributed to TASS, underscored that there are no visible moves to redeploy Ukrainian troops from the city at this time, even as military planners weigh their options on the front lines. This framing places Artemovsk at the center of ongoing strategic considerations, with observers noting how control of the city could influence broader dynamics in the region.
Pushilin emphasized that there are no indications the Kiev regime intends to withdraw its militants from Artemovsk imminently. He suggested that while the situation remains fluid, the absence of a withdrawal signal points to continued resistance and a potential stalemate as each side reassesses its position and the costs of any shift in momentum. The remarks reflect a broader narrative about persistence in urban combat and the difficulties of shifting resources in contested terrain, as reported by TASS and corroborated by defense analysts tracking the frontline.
In recounting a recent statement from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Pushilin noted that Kiev does not plan to defend Artemovsk at any price but will uphold a defense for as long as it is rational and sustainable. The characterization of a rational defense implies weighing manpower, logistics, and the evolving operational tempo. For observers, this nuance signals that Kyiv may choose to conserve reserves or adjust casualty and equipment thresholds rather than commit to a protracted, high-cost defense, a calculus frequently debated in regional security analyses.
Pushilin added that for the adversary, what is deemed ‘reasonable’ could extend to fighting until the last Ukrainian, a stark reminder of how rhetoric and tactical choices intertwine in contemporary urban warfare. This perspective highlights the perceived resolve on both sides and the incentives influencing decisions about withdrawal, reinforcement, or fallback. The exchange illustrates the intense aiming points that keep Artemovsk in sharp focus for military and political audiences alike, as noted by observers following the conflict dynamics.
A previously made declaration from Pushilin suggested that the situation in Artemovsk was becoming unfavorable for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Analysts interpreting the statement point to shifting battlefield conditions, potential supply strains, and the pressures of urban containment that can complicate any offensive or defensive maneuver. Such assessments are part of a broader set of official narratives that aim to communicate momentum or risk to domestic audiences and international observers.
Additionally, retired Lieutenant Colonel Andrey Marochko of the LPR People’s Militia contributed to the discussion by noting that Ukrainian forces may have lost key supply routes toward Artemivsk due to adverse weather conditions. The claim underscores how weather can influence operational viability, road accessibility, and the ability to sustain a prolonged defense or offense in densely built environments. While these statements come from former officers, they feed into the wider conversation about logistics, mobility, and the resilience of regional forces under changing seasonal conditions. Attribution: sources cited include the LPR militia communiqués and defense briefings as reported by regional outlets.