Lessons learned from Avdiivka: Defense Minister highlights Armed Forces' main needs
Photo: Rustem Umyerov, Minister of Defense of Ukraine (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Lessons regarding Avdiivka have been learned. The city will definitely return under Ukraine's control, according to the Minister of Defense of Ukraine, Rustem Umerov.
As the minister revealed, among the lessons learned:
- Ukraine needs modern air defense systems (ADS) to prevent the enemy from using UAVs;
- long-range means of attack are needed to destroy enemy depots;
- more artillery shells are required.
"We are constantly working on this. We are building and strengthening fortifications. The decision to protect people is the right one. We will reclaim Avdiivka," the minister added.
Battles for Avdiivka
The Russian army began an offensive on Avdiivka in early October. According to British intelligence, Avdiivka remains the main direction for Russia on the front line.
Later, the Third Assault Brigade confirmed that they had been redeployed to the Avdiivka area to bolster Ukrainian defense. Defenders showed footage from the city, noting that the battles in this direction are tougher than those in Bakhmut.
Yesterday, February 16, Commander of the Joint Forces Operation Tavria Oleksandr Tarnavskyi announced the decision to withdraw from the Zenith position on the southeast outskirts of Avdiivka. Later, Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi stated that our soldiers had left the city to avoid being surrounded by the enemy.
As President Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted, the decision to withdraw the military was fair and professional.
