Russia is about to enter Ukraine's strategic city of Avdiivka

Sputnik, citing a statement from the Russian Ministry of Defense , reported that Moscow's forces have achieved several victories near the strategic city of Avdiivka in Donetsk in recent weeks.

Russian offensives threaten to cut off and push back Ukrainian defenses inside the center of Avdiivka.

On the Ukrainian side, the new Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian army, General Oleksandr Syrsky, is trying to replenish forces to relieve Avdiivka. However, many Ukrainian units are gradually withdrawing from various defensive positions around the city due to the risk of being surrounded by Russia.

General Oleksandr Syrsky pledged to hold the front line in Avdiivka after being appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian armed forces by President Volodymyr Zelensky. (Photo: Reuters)

According to Russian military expert Andrey Koshkin, the Ukrainian army transformed Avdiivka into a "fortified stronghold" after regaining control of the city in 2014.

“Ukraine turned Avdiivka into a fortified stronghold in 2014. The amount of concrete Kyiv used to build the bunkers inside the city even exceeded the amount of concrete used for residential projects in some Ukrainian cities,” Koshkin said.

According to Koshkin, Ukrainian forces "have invested a great deal of effort, resources, and money to turn this city into an impregnable fortress."

Meanwhile, Russian forces gained control of Avdiivka because Ukrainian artillery in the city could shell residential areas of Donetsk. According to Koshkin, protecting the safety of civilians in Donbass is one of Moscow's main goals, therefore capturing Avdiivka was necessary.

Battle map of Avdiivka as of the afternoon of February 13. (Graphic: ISW)

Furthermore, dislodging Ukrainian forces from Avdiivka would allow Russian forces to advance further west of the Donetsk region and prevent attacks on Russian towns and cities.

Regarding the tactics that Kyiv might employ in the battle for Avdiivka, Koshkin suggested that General Syrsky would do everything possible to hold this strategic city, a commitment he made to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky shortly after taking office.

“General Syrsky immediately mobilized his reserve units to Avdiivka. But it seems that so far he has not been able to relieve Avdiivka. Syrsky will take other actions to fulfill his commitment to President Zelensky,” Koshkin commented.

Tra Khanh (Source: Sputnik)

Source: https://vtc.vn/nga-sap-tien-vao-thanh-pho-chien-luoc-avdiivka-cua-ukraine-ar853257.html