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Military operation in Ukraine

Russian forces control all high ground near Artyomovsk — advisor

According to Igor Kimakovsky, large numbers of foreign mercenaries from US allies can be seen near Artyomovsk

MOSCOW, February 16. /TASS/. The key highland areas near Artyomovsk (known as Bakhmut in Ukraine) are now under the control of Russian forces, with Ukrainian troops being significantly diminished in their ability to send in reinforcements, Igor Kimakovsky, an advisor to the acting head of the Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR).

"Of course, our latest advance has been made near Artyomovsk. <...> Our guys already dominate the major high ground," Kimakovsky told the Soloviev Live TV show.

Ukrainian forces have what he said was a narrow corridor at their disposal which complicates ammunition deliveries, he said.

According to Kimakovsky, large numbers of foreign mercenaries from US allies can be seen near Artyomovsk. "There are Poles, French-speaking people, English speakers, and all kinds of people."

On Tuesday, DPR acting leader Denis Pushilin said fighting was taking place on the outskirts of Artyomovsk, in the neighborhoods that had been held by Ukrainian troops just recently. He said Russian forces had cut off three of the four roads that were used to resupply Ukrainian units.

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Military operation in Ukraine

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Russia-US agree to maintain dialogue on Ukraine after Dmitriev’s trip to Miami — Kremlin

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Russia rescued Ukrainians abandoned by Kiev in Sumy Region — human rights commissioner

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