The Russian Ministry of Defense announced that its forces controlled the village of Orlovka west of Avdeevka and repelled many Ukrainian attacks in the area.
"In the direction of Avdeevka, the Central Army (Tsentr) took control of the village of Orlovka and improved the situation along the front line," the Russian Ministry of Defense said on March 19. Russian forces repelled six counterattacks by Ukraine's 3th, 6rd and 47th Mechanized Infantry Brigades in the vicinity.
According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, the Ukrainian army lost 125 soldiers, two infantry fighting vehicles and five motor vehicles in the above area. Russian forces counterattacked and hit a US-made M5 Paladin complex, an Msta-B howitzer, two D-109 guns, a D-20 gun and a Ukrainian MT-30 Rapira anti-tank gun.
Location of Orlovka village in Donetsk oblast. Graphics: RYV
The Ukrainian army has not commented on information about Russia controlling the village of Orlovka. However, Ukrainian officials admitted that the situation on the front lines was difficult and urged the West to fulfill its military aid commitment.
Control of the village of Orlovka is the latest step in a series of successes that Russian forces achieved after capturing Avdeevka. After losing their stronghold in Donetsk province, Ukraine was forced to retreat to the rear for defense.
Arms transfers from Europe are slowing down, while the capacity of Ukraine's defense industry is limited. The US's $60 billion military aid package for Ukraine is stuck in the country's parliament.
At an online press conference on March 19, Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said the delay in military aid shocked Ukrainian officials. "March is almost over, but discussions about America's vital and strategic interests in Europe have not ended yet," Mr. Kuleba said.
Russian BM-27 Uragan rocket artillery attacked Ukrainian positions near Avdeevka on March 8. Image: Russian Defense Forces
Nguyễn Tiến (Follow AFP, RIA Novosti, Reuters)
