Battles for Avdiivka: Situation is difficult, Russians change tactics
The situation around Avdiivka is complicated, Russians have changed their tactics (Getty Images)
The situation around Avdiivka in the Donetsk region is complicated, with active fighting continuing. At the same time, the Russian occupation forces have changed their tactics, according to Vitalii Barabash, head of the Avdiivka City Military Administration.
"The enemy is now trying to punch through at a point. They have prioritized, relatively speaking, three areas, and they are mostly sending equipment and a large number of infantry there. It is really difficult. Indeed, it is very hot. The enemy will try to realize the tasks set to take the city," says Barabash.
According to him, the situation around the city is difficult, but Ukrainian defenders continue to hold back the invaders. The defense line around Avdiivka is holding.
"Of course, it is very difficult. But there is no need to dispel the traitorous mood. The guys are holding on, we need to help them and thank them for what they are doing," notes the head of the CMA.
Russian offensive on Avdiivka
Russians have been intensifying their assaults in the Avdiivka area since early October. They are trying to surround the city and take control of it.
Over the past few months, Ukrainian defenders have been defending the city and preventing the occupiers from implementing their plans.
According to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), since the beginning of the offensive in October, the Russians have lost more than 13,000 soldiers and officers in the battle for Avdiivka, capturing only 11 square kilometers of territory.
Experts commented to RBC-Ukraine that Avdiivka could be the final assault chord of the Russian Federation, as the enemy suffers huge losses there.
As previously reported by the Ukrainian Armed Forces, the number of assaults in the Avdiivka area has decreased, but there is a nuance: the enemy uses more infantry and armored vehicles in each attack.
According to expert Oleksandr Kovalenko, the Russian occupiers will continue active offensive actions in the Avdiivka area until the presidential elections in the aggressor country, because dictator Vladimir Putin needs at least some results in the war. Then there may be an operational pause in this area of the front.
