DONETSK, March 1. /TASS/. The Ukrainian armed forces are deploying troops and Western-made weapons to the city of Chasov Yar in the Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR) to create a fortified area, Yan Gagin, an advisor to the DPR leader, told TASS.

"Kiev is currently focused on Chasov Yar, which will become its next fortified city. Preparations for a defensive operation are underway there as they are deploying equipment, including Western-made pieces, and the command of the group of forces stationed in Artyomovsk (called Bakhmut in Ukraine - TASS) has sent weapons there. They are trying to fortify the city," he said.

Kiev understands that it will inevitably lose Artyomovsk, Gagin added. He told TASS earlier that at least 3,000 Ukrainian troops remained in Artyomovsk.

The city of Chasov Yar, controlled by Kiev, is located 11 kilometers west of Artyomovsk. According to DPR officials, taking control of the city will make it possible to protect the southern flanks of troops advancing along the Artyomovsk frontline.