Ukrainian troops withdrawn from Avdiivka - Syrskyi

"Based on the operational situation that has developed around Avdiivka, in order to avoid encirclement and preserve the lives and health of servicemen, I have decided to withdraw our units from the city and transition to a defensive stance at more advantageous positions," Syrskyi stated.

According to him, Ukrainian soldiers have performed their military duty honorably, done everything possible to destroy the best Russian military units, and inflicted significant losses on the enemy in personnel and equipment.

"We are taking measures to stabilize the situation and maintain our positions. The lives of servicemen are the highest value. We will still retake Avdiivka," he added.

Encirclement in Avdiivka was prevented

Commander of the Tavria Operational Strategic Group, Oleksandr Tarnavskyi, stated that, according to the received orders, the troops have left Avdiivka for pre-prepared positions.

"In a situation where the enemy advances over the bodies of its own soldiers with a ten-to-one advantage in artillery, under constant bombardment, this is the only correct decision," he noted.

According to him, encirclement has been avoided, personnel has been withdrawn, and Ukrainian soldiers have taken up defensive positions at specified lines.

Fighting for Avdiivka

The Russian army began its advance on Avdiivka at the beginning of October. According to British intelligence, Avdiivka remains the main direction for Russia on the front.

Later, the third assault brigade confirmed that they had been redeployed to the Avdiivka area to reinforce Ukrainian defense. Defenders showed footage from Avdiivka and noted that the fighting in this direction is tougher than those in Bakhmut.

Yesterday, February 16, the commander of the Tavria Operational Strategic Group, Oleksandr Tarnavskyi, announced the decision to withdraw from the position Zenit on the southeast outskirts of Avdiivka.