The acting head of Russia's Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) Denis Pushilin said in an interview with Sputnik that the situation in the recently liberated city of Bakhmut, also known as Artemovsk, was difficult because of constant shelling by Ukrainian troops.
He added, however, that it was under control.
He said the city was being shelled by artillery guns, mortars and drones.
Pushilin said Ukraine's claims that it had retained a presence in Bakhmut were false.
DPR’s leader added that after the restoration of Artemovsk, an official referendum on the name of the city could be held, but even now there is an understanding that local residents support the option which has now been approved.
He also said that Ukrainian troops today need to be moved at least 500km from the administrative borders of the new regions and a new frontier could pass along the Dnepr, but it is necessary to liberate the entire territory of Ukraine.