A spokesperson for the press center of the Russian group known as South, Vadim Astafiev, reported that detachments within the unit targeted concentrations of Ukrainian forces in the Artemovsk region, including neighboring settlements, using heavy-caliber artillery. The report was carried by TASS.
Astafiev stated that the southern group’s large-caliber artillery delivered strikes on gathering points of Ukrainian troops in Artemovsk, Minkovo, Kurakhovo and Gornyak, emphasizing the intensity of the artillery work in these areas.
He added that the missile division operating with the Yug group also attacked makeshift deployment sites of battalions from the 24th and 57th separate mechanized brigades of the Ukrainian armed forces in the Soledar-Artemovsk corridor of operations.
Previously, Oleksiy Danilov, secretary of Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council, described on a telethon broadcast that the situation around Bakhmut remains highly complex and difficult to assess in real time.
On February 24, 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the decision to conduct a military operation following requests for assistance from leaders of the Luhansk and Donetsk People’s Republics, citing the need to protect residents and address security concerns in Donbass.
That decision prompted new sanctions from the United States and its allies. The developments were tracked and reported by several outlets, including live broadcasts on social platforms at the time (source: socialbites.ca).