In Avdiivka, weather turns Russians into targets, expert says
An expert explained why the weather turn Russians into targets in the Avdiivka area (Getty Images)
The situation in the Avdiivka area is a vivid example of the fact that the weather does not affect those on the offensive and those on the defensive equally. In this case, the advantage is on the side of the Ukrainian forces, as discussed in RBC-Ukraine's article Avdiivka and Kupiansk situation, possibility of major Russian offensive: Frontline overview.
Expert Oleksii Hetman emphasizes that the weather does not affect those on the offensive and those on the defensive in the same way. According to him, it is more difficult to attack, and taking into account the statements of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Valerii Zaluzhny that we have the capabilities to defend Avdiivka for another two to three months, we should have enough strength to do so at least until the end of winter.
"Yes, it is difficult to defend in bad weather, and there may be problems with logistics. But it's even harder to advance through snowdrifts. If a vehicle gets stuck, it is a target, if a person cannot move actively and change position, it is also a target," he says.
Situation in Avdiivka area
The sharp cold snap seems to be preventing the Russians from being more active near Avdiivka. They have not abandoned their plans to encircle the city, but have almost halved the number of artillery attacks.
"We attribute this to the weather conditions because drones cannot work in full. Moreover, compared to the previous weather, it has become quite cold," says Oleksandr Shtupun, spokesperson for the Joint Press Center of the Tavria Defense Forces.
According to him, the number of assaults has also decreased: previously there were up to 50-60 per day, now it is about 25. However, aviation is still being used quite actively, and on January 7 the enemy dropped about 30 bombs.
According to Vitalii Barabash, head of the Avdiivka city military administration, there was heavy snowfall the other day and the temperature dropped to -15.
"There was a lot of snow, sometimes up to half a meter. This complicates the conduct of hostilities both on our side and on the enemy's side," he says, adding that Avdiivka is under constant attack, and in 99% of cases when air raids are announced in the Donetsk region, the city is hit.
Fighting near Avdiivka continues to the northwest in the areas of Ocheretyne, Novobakhmutivka, and Stepove, to the west towards Severne and Tonenke, and to the southwest towards Pervomaiske and Nevelske. DeepState analysts note a decrease in hostile activity near Stepove, with the main attacks shifting to the Avdiivka Coke Plant and cottages.
Russian shelling of Avdiivka
Russian troops are constantly shelling Avdiivka, trying to capture the city. Thus, on January 1, the occupiers attacked Avdiivka in the Donetsk region with artillery. A woman died as a result of the attack.
In addition, Russian troops launched a massive missile attack on Avdiivka in the Donetsk region on January 3. One person was killed and another was injured.
