ROSTOV-ON-DON, January 25. /TASS/. Battles are raging in the neighborhoods of the city of Artyomovsk (called Bakhmut in Ukraine) that used to be controlled by the Ukrainian army, Acting Head of the Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR) Denis Pushilin told TASS on Wednesday.

"Quite heavy fighting continues in Artyomovsk. Our forces, including Wagner units, are advancing in Artyomovsk. Fighting is underway in some suburbs and the neighborhoods that the enemy held only a while ago," he said on the sidelines of the opening ceremony of the second semi-final of the "Restoration Leaders. DPR" contest.

Pushilin said earlier that after the liberation of the city of Soledar, only one safe road leading to Artyomovsk had remained accessible for the Ukrainian military. DPR officials have repeatedly said that the Ukrainian command is sending additional troops to the Artyomovsk frontline.