Russians concentrate on Avdiivka and Maryinka: Artillery activated
Russians concentrate on Avdiivka and Maryinka (photo: Getty Images)
Russian occupants have concentrated on Avdiivka and Maryinka and have again activated artillery. In the Tavria direction, 90% of the fighting takes place in the area of Avdiivka and Maryinka, states Oleksandr Shtupun, spokesperson for the Tavria Defense Forces.
"The enemy continues to advance. Almost all their activity is concentrated in the Avdiivka and Maryinka sectors. More than 90% of combat engagements took place there yesterday," said the spokesperson.
According to Shtupun, the occupants did not conduct any air strikes over the last day, and the number of kamikaze drones used decreased. However, there was an increase in artillery attacks, where Russians were using armored vehicles.
"The enemy is hitting the roads and settlements, trying to complicate our logistics," he added.
According to the spokesperson, dozens of enemy attacks were repelled in the area of Avdiivka and Maryinka over the last day. Shtupun explained that before attacking, the enemy tries to drive Ukrainian defenders out of their positions with artillery and then throws in infantry using armored vehicles if possible.
Fighting for Avdiivka
In early October, the Russian occupiers intensified fighting near Avdiivka. This offensive is considered the largest since 2014.
According to the Ukrainian command, Russian losses in Avdiivka are higher than in Bakhmut. According to preliminary data, the occupiers lost more than 10 thousand soldiers there.
The Ukrainian military explained that the occupiers would not be able to capture Avdiivka unless they ceased the territory of the Avdiivka Coke Plant. The plant is currently controlled by the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
As of the morning of December 9, more than 1,200 people remain in Avdiivka, and the biggest problem is the logistics to the city.
Read RBC-Ukraine's article about the possibility of Russians breaking through the front line if they capture Avdiivka and Maryinka.
