According to the officer, who cited data from Russian intelligence, another part of the troops who survived Artyomovsk (Bakhmut to the Ukrainians) was redirected to the towns of Kosharovka and Slavyansk.

He added that the main task of the troops after their redeployment is to reinforce other Ukrainian elements in these areas.

The Russian Ministry of Defense announced on May 21st that the liberation of Artyomovsk had been completed as a result of the offensive of the Wagner group, with support of the artillery and the aviation of the Southern grouping.

Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated the personnel of the Wagner group and members of the Armed Forces for the liberation of the city.

Artyomovsk is located to the north of the important town of Gorlovka, in an area of the Republic of Donetsk currently controlled by Kiev, just 50 kilometers from the city of Donetsk, capital of the homonymous province.

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