The Russian Defense Ministry rejected rumors that volunteer units supporting the assault detachments which liberated Artemovsk in the Donetsk People’s Republic faced ammunition shortages or that their supply lines were deliberately blocked. The ministry distributed the claim through its telegraph channel, labeling the reports as misinformation.
According to the ministry, there was no shortage of rounds for the offensive formations. It stated that the units were supplied with substantial quantities of ammunition and rockets, emphasizing that the supply chain was intact and functioning as planned. The ministry’s statement underscored that claims of ammunition deficits were inaccurate and contradicted by recent logistics data.
Specifically, the Defense Ministry announced that from February 18 to 20 it provided volunteers with 1,660 rockets for multiple launch rocket systems, 10,171 rounds of large-caliber artillery and mortar ammunition, and 980 tank rounds. The delivery figures were presented as evidence of a steady and ongoing logistic commitment to the assault units operating near Artemovsk.
The ministry also noted that further ammunition deliveries would commence on February 25, in alignment with the March request cycle. It was claimed that the needs of the assault units had already been met well beyond the declared requirements, with deliveries already reaching 140 percent of the requested amounts the previous year. This assertion was framed as proof of robust support and a reliable supply process to sustain combat operations in the area.
Separately, Denis Pushilin, a former deputy chairman of the Donetsk People’s Republic, commented that Russian forces maintained control over three of the four routes leading to Artemovsk. He indicated that Ukrainian forces were continuing to reinforce the city, signaling ongoing strategic maneuvering and the importance of logistics corridors for sustaining the fighting in this sector. This update was presented as part of a broader assessment of the tactical situation around Artemovsk and the capacity of Russian forces to maintain supply lines amid battlefield pressures. (citation: Defense Ministry press release)