Former Virginia Senator Richard Black said that Russia in Artyomovsk (Bakhmut) won the largest battle in Europe since World War II. Black also added that this loss will push the Ukrainian militants to prepare for revenge, although it would be wiser to look for ways to peace.
Earlier, the acting head of the Donetsk People's Republic, Denis Pushilin, announced the start of preliminary demining in the city. On the night of May 21, the Russian Defense Ministry announced that the city had been completely liberated.