Russian army to continue offensive after capturing Avdiivka - UK intelligence
Avdiivka captured by the Russian army (Getty Images)
The Russian army, following the capture of Avdiivka, will attempt to continue its advance to the west. However, its combat capability is unlikely to be sufficient, according to the Ministry of Defence of Great Britain.
According to the summary, Russian forces took control of Avdiivka last week, as well as a coking plant located north of the city, which has been the site of intense fighting since October 2023 and has been on the front line since 2014.
According to British intelligence, Ukrainian forces have retreated to defensive positions west of Avdiivka.
"It is likely that Russian forces lack the combat effectiveness to immediately exploit the capture of Avdiivka and will require a period of rest and refit. In coming weeks Russia will likely seek to gradually extend its territorial control beyond Avdiivka," the British Ministry of Defence said.
Avdiivka assault
The Russian army began its advance on Avdiivka at the beginning of October 2023. During the assaults, it suffered significant losses in equipment and personnel. On the night of February 17, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrskyi, announced the decision to withdraw Ukrainian forces from Avdiivka, which was under threat of enemy encirclement.
According to the Institute for the Study of War, the Defense Forces will be able to establish new defensive lines near Avdiivka and halt further enemy advancement.
For more information on the situation on the front, please refer to RBC-Ukraine's article "Five threats: Consequences of Ukrainian troops' withdrawal from Avdiivka and ability to resist Russian pressure".
