Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky today, April 18, visited the frontline town of Avdiivka in the Donetsk region, one of the most tense battlefields on the eastern front of Ukraine in recent times. Avdiivka is also known by the nickname "second Bakhmut" due to the fierceness of the fighting here.
According to the Office of the President of Ukraine, the city of Avdiivka is surrounded by Russian troops from three directions. Here, Mr. Zelensky listened to reports from Ukrainian military commanders on the Donetsk front, as well as talked with soldiers from the marines, paratroopers, armored infantry and artillery.
"I am honored to be here today. Thank you for your dedicated service in the defense of our territory. Happy Easter to you. I wish you only one thing, victory. This is what all Ukrainians want and it is very important for us. Besides, I also wish you and your families good health. On behalf of all Ukrainians, I thank you for all your efforts," President Zelensky told the soldiers in Avdiivka.
On this occasion, the President of Ukraine also presented awards and medals to the soldiers in Avdiivka. In return, Mr. Zelensky received a gift, which was the insignia of the 110th Motorized Rifle Brigade of the Ukrainian army.
With an important strategic position in Ukraine's defense line in Donetsk, the Russian army has recently launched continuous attacks on the city of Avdiivka. Heavy artillery and cruise missiles have been deployed to support the pro-Russian forces' offensive efforts at the "second Bakhmut" fortress.
The Ukrainian military says it is still trying to organize its defenses and has repelled several Russian attacks in the past week. However, the head of the Donetsk military administration, Pavlo Kyrylenko, admitted that the fighting in Avdiivka is still tense.
According to some sources, there are still about 1,800 Ukrainian civilians clinging to this "fire pit" and they are facing being surrounded by Russian troops at any time. In a statement on April 10, Mr. Kyrylenko called on these residents to evacuate immediately to ensure safety.
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