RIA Novosti learned about the advancement of Russian attack aircraft in Artemovsk

Units of PMC “Wagner” took control of the Stupki microdistrict in the north of Artemovsk (Ukrainian name – Bakhmut) in the DPR, write RIA Novosti, citing a source from the scene.

“The Stupki microdistrict in the north of Artemovsk came under the complete control of the fighters of the Wagner group,” the source said.

According to him, the assault detachments also entered the Ilyinovka area.

Formerly Advisor to the Acting Head of the DPR Igor Kimakovsky informedthat Russian forces are fighting almost in the center of Artemovsk. “Forward detachments of PMC Wagner are already fighting almost in the center of Artemovsk,” he said.

Kimakovsky added that it is too early to talk about the operational encirclement of the city, at the same time, all roads around it are under the fire control of Russian troops. He clarified that the Ukrainian military can still move its forces and weapons along the Chasov Yar-Artemovsk route. According to him, the Armed Forces of Ukraine (APU) “are trying to cling to the city”, despite heavy losses.

The fighting around Artemovsk has been going on for several months. On February 16, Kimakovsky announced the capture of all the heights in the vicinity of Artemovsk. Kyiv the next day urged evacuate city residents, and President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky informed about the beginning of the offensive of Russian troops in several directions. Later he declaredthat the Armed Forces of Ukraine will not defend Artemovsk “at any cost.”