Russian forces may struggle with attacking Ukrainian Armed Forces positions west of Avdiivka: ISW named reason
Russian forces will find it difficult to attack Ukrainian positions west of Avdiivka (photo: Getty Images)
It will likely be difficult for Russian forces to advance west of Avdiivka in the Donetsk region closer to the prepared positions to which Ukrainian forces are withdrawing, according to the ISW report.
ISW analysts note that the Russians are likely to suffer significant losses if they choose to attack the new Ukrainian positions head-on in the open field due to the large concentration of Ukrainian forces in the new positions.
Russian forces likely seek to hinder or prevent the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces in hopes of inflicting operational losses on the Ukrainian military in this area, as the capture of Avdiivka itself would not bring any operational advantages or opportunities for operationally significant advances.
At the same time, ISW experts believe that Ukrainian forces may need to conduct counterattacks to facilitate the organized withdrawal of troops from Avdiivka, thereby stabilizing the front line.
Ukrainian Armed Forces have withdrawn from Avdiivka
Early this morning, on February 17, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrskyi, announced that Ukrainian troops have withdrawn from Avdiivka in the Donetsk region to avoid being surrounded and to preserve the lives and health of servicemen.
According to him, Ukrainian soldiers have fulfilled their military duty honorably, doing everything possible to destroy the best Russian military units and inflict significant losses on the enemy in personnel and equipment.
In turn, Commander of the Tavria Operational Strategic Group, Oleksandr Tarnavskyi, noted that the encirclement was not allowed, and personnel were withdrawn for defense at predetermined positions.
