According to him, if Artyomovsk is taken under control, Russian forces can go to Kramatorsk and Slavyansk.
Zelensky added that in this case, there would be an “open road” for Russian troops to other cities in the Donetsk direction.
Earlier, the Ukrainian president announced the difficult situation of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the Artemivsk region.
According to Ukrainian media, the military of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in Artyomovsk complained about the low chances of survival and about old weapons.
The head of the Pentagon, Lloyd Austin, said that Artyomovsk has more symbolic significance than strategic.