Control of Artyomovsk (Bakhmut) to help Russian troops advance deep into Ukrainian defenses — Shoigu

 The seizure of Artyomovsk (called Bakhmut in Ukraine) will help Russian troops continue their advance deep into the Ukrainian army’s defenses during the special military operation in Ukraine, Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu said at a conference call with military commanders on Tuesday.

"The liberation of Artyomovsk continues. This city is a major defense line for Ukrainian troops in Donbass. Its control will help develop a further offensive deep into the Ukrainian army’s defenses," he stressed.

Russian forces have also liberated Nikolayevka, Dvurechnoye, Krasnaya Gora, Gryanikovka and Paraskoviyevka in their advance in the Donetsk and Kupyansk areas, Shoigu said.