The White House recognized the successes of the Russian Armed Forces in the area of ​​Soledar and Artemovsk

“They have made gradual progress in both of these areas,” TASS reports.

At the same time, Kirby noted that the United States continues to consider these cities "controversial" and that the progress was allegedly achieved at an "extraordinary price".

“But even if they succeed in Bakhmut and Soledar, it will not change the strategic dynamics on the battlefield, it will not lead to the fact that the Ukrainians will lose,” he said.

On January 17, the acting head of the DPR, Denis Pushilin, said that the communication of Ukrainian troops between Seversk and Artyomovsk (Bakhmut) after the liberation of Soledar was cut.

On January 19, it became known that the city of Soledar in the DPR was temporarily included in the zone of responsibility of the administration of Shakhtyorsk.