Russian forces observe Ukrainian troops abandoning positions near Artyomovsk (Bakhmut)

Russian troops gaining ground in the vicinity of Artyomovsk (called Bakhmut in Ukraine) in the Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR) are observing the Ukrainian army’s units abandoning their positions near the town, LPR People's Militia retired Lieutenant Colonel Andrey Marochko told TASS on Tuesday.

"In the vicinity of the Artyomovsk populated locality, Ukrainian servicemen were observed of abandoning their positions at will. As a result of successful advancing actions by our assault units, the flight of Ukrainian militants from the previously occupied positions was detected," he said.

Marochko noted that their actions "are of chaotic nature, with clear panic signs." "Weapons and military equipment are also being left at firing positions," he stressed.