As stated by the officer on his Telegram channel, this is caused essentially by the heavy losses suffered, the poor living conditions, the decreased material and technical support, and the success achieved by the Russian troops in their advance in this direction.

Morochko noted that in the important town of Artiomovsk (aka Bakhmut) and its general vicinity, where the bulk of the Ukrainian units fighting in Lugansk are located, the Russian military intelligence detected a significant demoralization among the ranks of Kiev’s forces.

And although the rate of advance of the Russian and allied troops in the direction of Artiomovsk is slow, ground is being gained, and they continue occupying advantageous positions that will allow them to subsequently develop successful offensives, Morochko stated.

The interim head of the Donetsk People’s Republic, Denis Pushilin, reported that the joint forces of Donetsk, Lugansk and the Russian Armed Forces were close to taking Artiomovsk, which, as he affirmed, is practically surrounded.

jrr/llp/lam/gfa