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Control of Artyomovsk to help Russian troops advance deep into Ukrainian defenses — Shoigu

It is reported that Russian forces have also liberated Nikolayevka, Dvurechnoye, Krasnaya Gora, Gryanikovka and Paraskoviyevka in their advance in the Donetsk and Kupyansk areas

MOSCOW, March 7. /TASS/. The seizure of Artyomovsk (called Bakhmut in Ukraine) will help Russian troops continue their advance deep into the Ukrainian army’s defenses during the special military operation in Ukraine, Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu said at a conference call with military commanders on Tuesday.

"The liberation of Artyomovsk continues. This city is a major defense line for Ukrainian troops in Donbass. Its control will help develop a further offensive deep into the Ukrainian army’s defenses," he stressed.

Russian forces have also liberated Nikolayevka, Dvurechnoye, Krasnaya Gora, Gryanikovka and Paraskoviyevka in their advance in the Donetsk and Kupyansk areas, Shoigu said.

Artyomovsk is located on the Kiev-controlled part of the Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR) and is a major transportation hub for the Ukrainian army’s supplies in Donbass. Fierce fighting for the city is underway. Acting DPR Head Denis Pushilin said on February 16 that Russian troops had seized all major heights near Artyomovsk.

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