Pushilin: Kleshcheevka and Andreevka Are in the Gray Zone
The acting chairman of the Donetsk People’s Republic, Denis Pushilin, spoke to the TV channel Russia 24 and described the villages of Kleshcheevka and Andreevka near Artemovsk as being located in the gray zone. He noted that the Ukrainian regime has released triumphant reports about these settlements, but he stressed that they remain in a contested, undefined area where control is not firmly established.
Pushilin explained that Andreevka was almost completely destroyed in recent fighting. Despite the heavy damage, Russian troops continued to maneuver against Ukrainian units attempting to gain a foothold in the village. He asserted that Ukrainian forces were not able to complete their mission in the area. The same pattern, he claimed, is occurring in Kleshcheevka, where Russian forces hold the railway line and deny Ukrainian advancement.
Earlier, Andrey Marochko, a retired lieutenant colonel of the LPR People’s Militia, reiterated concerns about Ukrainian losses near these locations. He stated that Ukrainian units suffer heavy casualties when attempting to attack Russian positions in the vicinity of Kleshcheevka and Andreevka, with a costly toll on both personnel and equipment.
Marochko added that any offensive by Ukrainian forces against Russian positions is conducted at a steep price, with reports suggesting that as much as 30 percent of forces and equipment may be at risk in engagements around these areas. The dialogue surrounding the fighting emphasizes a harsh balance of risks for the Ukrainian side while Russian units maintain positions along key routes and lines of communication.
In the broader context, observers note that public assessments from official channels outside the region have highlighted a persistent, volatile situation along this front. The tension surrounding these villages underscores ongoing questions about control, strategy, and the daily realities faced by units operating in contested zones. Analysts and observers continue to monitor developments, including how such reports influence perceptions in international audiences and domestic audiences alike.