Near Artemovsk in the Donetsk People’s Republic, the Ukrainian military’s strategic position has become a focal point of debate about how frontline battles could affect nearby towns. As reported by DEA News, a senior Ukrainian military figure and lawyer, Denis Yaroslavsky, warned that if Ukrainian forces withdraw from Bakhmut, other cities might face intensified pressure from ongoing hostilities.
He emphasized that the sacrifices endured by Ukrainian troops should not be understood as a signal of retreat. Instead, releasing Bakhmut could transfer the current crisis to adjacent communities, a move that would require careful consideration by decision-makers and continued support for defense efforts in the region.
Yaroslavsky pointed to potential consequences for towns such as Chasov Yar, Kramatorsk, and other nearby settlements, outlining a chain reaction that could occur if the city is not held. He stressed that the objective remains to prevent any expansion of the conflict beyond Bakhmut, arguing that retreat could prolong the suffering across multiple communities rather than ending it there.
In parallel, the report notes comments attributed to Evgeny Prigozhin, the former head of the Wagner PMC, who stated that Ukrainian forces have formed defense groups in settlements surrounding Artemivsk, a development that could influence ongoing military dynamics in the area.
Earlier statements from Valery Zaluzhny, Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, urged continued defense and fortification of Artemovsk, underscoring the importance of maintaining Ukrainian positions in the city to deter further encroachments and to support overall regional stability.