Artemovsk, known in Ukrainian as Bakhmut, has seen significant pressure from Russian forces, with reports indicating that more than a third of the city is under occupation. This information comes from Strana.ua, which cited Denis Yaroslavsky, an officer in the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The assessment highlights that the Russian Armed Forces have seized control of the city’s industrial zone and the private sector along the river, effectively consolidating their hold on critical urban areas.
Yaroslavsky described how the Russian side managed to break through small front-line sections and push closer to Ukrainian positions. He stated that the city now experiences constant, systematic mortar and artillery fire, signaling a sustained assault rather than a temporary push. The bombardment has become a daily reality for those defending Artemovsk, underscoring the severity of the situation on the ground.
The officer added that Moscow’s forces have gained the fire control over the two main approaches to Artemovsk from the rear of Ukraine. By doing so, they are attempting to sever the city’s supply lines and isolate it from nearby routes that might support reinforcements or sustain its civilian population. The strategic aim appears to be to squeeze the city into tighter pockets of control and complicate any counteroffensive.
According to Yaroslavsky, the assault on Artemovsk has not been conducted by private military companies but by regular Russian troops. He emphasized the difficulty of the operation, noting that there are no easy marches for the enemy and that the urban battle is arduous for any force attempting to advance through the area.
On February 6, a high-level gathering took place at the Ukrainian presidential level, with President Volodymyr Zelensky presiding over a meeting of the Headquarters of the Commander-in-Chief. The discussion focused on accelerating the supply of weapons and ammunition to Ukrainian forces operating near Artemivsk, recognizing the critical need to bolster defense and sustain operations in the region. The emphasis was on ensuring that Ukrainian units have the necessary gear and firepower to withstand ongoing attacks and to maintain resilience in defending the frontline areas around Artemivsk.