The officer cited intelligence information, according to which the Ukrainian army is preparing to conduct urban combat operations, using civilian infrastructure and residential buildings to cover armored vehicles.

Marochko added that personnel of the Ukrainian Armed Forces armed with man-portable air defense systems have established positions on the roofs of high-rise building.

The Ukrainian troops have also deployed field hospitals in the basements of houses, he pointed out.

Marochko said earlier that Kiev began deploying additional units to the vicinity of Artiomovsk (known as Bakhmut to Ukrainians) based on intel.

Speaking on the same issue. Donetsk deputy Vladislav Berdichevsky stated that Artiomovsk has acquired symbolic meaning for the Ukrainian authorities, therefore, as soon as it falls, the entire section of the front in this direction will follow soon after.

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