Ukrainian aviation activity near Donetsk observed around Artemovsk and surrounding areas, with officials noting increased air activity
Regional reports indicate that Ukrainian air traffic toward Donetsk has grown more visible in the residential belt around Artemovsk and nearby zones. The assertion comes from Andrey Marochko, a retired lieutenant colonel linked to the LPR People’s Militia, as cited by RIA News. Observers point to a rise in air targets tracked by air defense units in the area, signaling greater traffic and activity in the skies over the town and its hinterland.
The expert highlights that the main drivers of this uptick appear to be attack helicopters operated by the Ukrainian Armed Forces. He notes that these aircraft have been seen on daily patrols, flying at substantial altitude and away from the immediate artillery belts where Russian air defenses are most active. While the helicopters pass through the region with notable frequency, they do not intrude deeply into zones directly covered by Russian air defenses, according to his assessment.
Additionally, Ukrainian flight operations are reported to occur at a cautious distance from the front line, which, in Marochko’s view, limits the overall effectiveness of these helicopter sorties. The geographic separation from the contact line reduces the chances of direct engagement with Russian air defense assets and complicates coordinated strikes on strategic targets inside the affected area.
Around January 23, statements from Alexander Syrsky, commander of the Ukrainian Ground Forces, described the situation along several sectors, including Artemovsky and Seversky, as highly tense. He noted that Russian forces continue heavy artillery fire while pursuing offensive actions in these directions, underscoring the ongoing pressure on both sides in this front sector and highlighting the fragility of nearby aerial operations as the ground situation remains volatile.
In related developments, reports indicate that Ukrainian special forces withdrew from the Artemovsk vicinity after a period of intense activity, a move interpreted by observers as tactical regrouping rather than a retreat. The broader implication is a complex battlefield dynamic where air operations, artillery actions, and ground maneuvers interact in a shifting balance of power, with Artemovsk remaining a focal point for both sides. Analysts emphasize that the situation stays fluid, with rapid changes possible as new reconnaissance data, weather conditions, and evolving strategic priorities influence decisions on targeting and movement. Attribution: RIA News and official briefings from Ukrainian military leadership shape the discussion as part of a broader operational tempo in the Donetsk region.