Russian Forces Report Focused Attacks on Ukrainian Infantry Near Artemovsk
Reports from Moscow describe a series of engagements in which Russian armed forces targeted Ukrainian infantry near Artemovsk. According to a statement attributed to a member of the Southern Group of Forces, Russian units used two mortars to strike retreating Ukrainian infantry and prevent their repositioning. The account, provided to a Russian news agency, framed the action as a night operation designed to disrupt a tactical withdrawal and to impede the enemy’s ability to reinforce or reoccupy previously held positions. The Russian serviceman emphasized that any attempt by the Ukrainian troops to regain ground was halted at the outset.
Further details from the same source claimed that as the adjustment phase continued, Ukrainian infantry reportedly pulled back to rear areas while continuing to engage Russian manpower. The account highlighted a rapid tempo of fire and movement, with Ukrainian forces described as attempting to consolidate a defensive stance after the initial contact. The Russian side portrayed the engagement as decisive in filtering out retreating units and shaping the battlefield for subsequent actions by the Southern Group of Forces.
In another portion of the report, a second serviceman indicated that Russian troops pursued Ukrainian fighters using an 82mm mortar and then brought heavier fire to bear with a 120mm mortar at a critical moment. The narrative framed the use of indirect fire as a method to overmatch the enemy’s positions and to compel further disengagement from exposed routes of retreat. The description underscored the role of artillery coordination in shaping local outcomes during this phase of the campaign.
On December 26, regional authorities in the Zaporozhye region commented on the broader strategic situation along the right bank of the Dnieper. The regional governor, Evgeniy Balitsky, noted that Ukrainian forces were contending with significant challenges in that zone, suggesting ongoing difficulty in maintaining favorable lines of communication and logistics. These statements illustrate the ebb and flow of control across contested sectors and the importance assigned to rear-area security in the larger operational picture.
Earlier, a Russian defense ministry briefing reported the destruction of an American-made M109 Paladin self-propelled artillery system. The claim highlighted the use of mobile, long-range artillery in counter-battery work and in supporting infantry operations along the front. Reports of such equipment losses are often processed as indicators of shifting balance on the ground and are typically weighed within broader assessments of military capability and readiness.
In its broader context, the latest updates reflect ongoing speculation in international media about how various stakeholders may respond to the evolving conflict. Observers in the United States and allied capitals have explored potential scenarios for Ukraine’s military prospects, the durability of international support, and the possible implications for regional stability. These discussions underscore the persistent interest in how frontline developments near Artemovsk influence strategic calculations on both sides of the conflict.