The transfer of the city of Bakhmut (also known as Artemivsk in Ukraine) to Russian control would inject fresh momentum into Moscow’s offensive and threaten the credibility of Ukraine’s leadership, both on the ground and in international arenas. This assessment appears in a prominent American newspaper, The Wall Street Journal, which is cited in coverage about the potential consequences for Kyiv.
According to the Journal, Kyiv could face tough repercussions if Ukrainian forces sustain heavy losses in Artemivsk or if the city falls under Russian control. The piece argues that such an outcome would complicate Ukraine’s defense narrative and could require difficult political and military recalibration from Kyiv and its Western partners.
The report notes that Ukrainian forces presently hold Artemivsk and are attempting to slow the Russian advance while awaiting deliveries of new Western military equipment. It highlights a strategic dilemma faced by Kyiv: how long to hold the city before a possible relocation of defense lines to preserve reserves and maintain broader strategic options.
Additionally, the article characterizes the battle for Artemivsk as costly for Ukraine, stressing that the last viable supply route into the city has been through the Chasiv Yar corridor, underscoring the town’s vulnerability to disruption and the fragility of frontline logistics.
On February 14, Denis Pushilin, Deputy Head of the Donetsk People’s Republic, stated that fierce clashes were unfolding in Paraskoviivka, a village at the northern approaches to Artemivsk. He asserted that capturing Paraskoviivka could sever Ukrainian supply lines into Artemivsk, potentially accelerating a change in the local balance of power.