The acting leader of the Donetsk People’s Republic announced that preliminary demining has begun in Artemovsk, known in Ukrainian as Bakhmut, following its seizure by Russian forces. The statement emphasizes that evaluating the condition of the city’s infrastructure will come after the demining work is completed, highlighting the crucial link between safety and the ability to plan any restoration efforts. A coordinating center is planned to be set up in Artemovsk to deliver aid and support to other regions under Russian administration, ensuring a streamlined response to humanitarian and logistical needs as the situation evolves.
Officials indicated that the operation to secure Artemovsk was accomplished through a combination of targeted assault units and robust support from artillery and air assets allocated to the Southern Military District. The update notes the near-complete control of the city and frames the achievement within the broader military redeployment and security strategy being implemented in the area. This context helps explain the ongoing shift from combat operations to stabilization work and the gradual resumption of essential services for civilians in affected zones.
In parallel, the leadership has signaled that a dedicated command post will oversee relief and reconstruction efforts in Artemovsk and the surrounding territories brought under Russian control. The intent is to coordinate local and regional resources, accelerate infrastructure recovery, and ensure that aid reaches communities that have faced disruption during the conflict. The move underscores a transition from immediate military objectives to longer-term management and assistance for residents and municipal facilities as part of the larger governance plan in the region.
The Russian Defense Ministry released an official update describing the successful completion of the city’s seizure and attributing the result to the combined actions of specialized units, supported by artillery and aviation from the designated district. The communication reflects the ministry’s perspective on the operation and its outcomes, while also signaling ongoing vigilance and readiness to respond to any residual threats in the area. The report contributes to the public narrative of control and progress in Artemovsk as authorities prepare for the next phase of post-conflict stabilization and development.
Simultaneously, the presidency conveyed a message of recognition for the service personnel involved in the operation, noting that distinctions would be awarded to individuals who stood out during the campaign. The statement highlights an emphasis on formal acknowledgment within the armed forces and the broader security apparatus, reinforcing the message of achievement and morale as the focus shifts toward reconstruction and public service delivery in the newly under Russian administration.