The Ukrainian general said that Russian forces were present in the inner city of Avdeevka, leaving open the possibility of Kiev withdrawing its troops from this key stronghold.
“Intense battles are taking place in the city. The soldiers used every measure to hold back the enemy," General Oleksandr Tarnavsky, commander of the Tavria strategic and operational group in charge of the eastern front of the Ukrainian army, said today.
General Tarnavsky said that the situation in Avdeevka is very difficult but still within the control of the Ukrainian army, emphasizing that the commanders are tasked with stabilizing the situation on the battlefield. However, he also hinted at the possibility of units withdrawing from the inner city and regrouping at more fortified bases outside the city.
Ukrainian Bradley armored vehicle in position near Avdeevka on February 11. Image: AFP
“Many new positions are ready, while fortified bases are being built after considering all scenarios. We value every inch of Ukraine's land, but still give the highest priority to efforts to protect soldiers' lives," General Tarnavsky said.
The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense on the same day announced the mobilization of soldiers to reinforce the forces holding on to Avdeevka. “We are carrying out the reinforcement as planned, soldiers are moving to threatened directions. The Ukrainian army continues to hold back and prevent the enemy's efforts to surround Avdeevka," the agency said.
Russian officials have not commented on the information. Accounts supporting the Russian military on February 15 published a video of this country's soldiers planting flags near the nameplate of the city of Avdeevka, a location where Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited and took photos last month.
Russian soldiers planted flags and moved near the place where President Zelensky visited Avdeevka in a video released on February 15. Video: VK/militarychronicles
After the Ukrainian army's counter-attack campaign failed, Russia late last year mobilized troops to attack Avdeevka, a city in Donetsk province that Ukraine turned into a fortress in 2014 with a system of fortifications and strong bases.
Russian forces surrounded Avdeevka on three sides, north, south and east, and threatened Ukraine's last supply line west of the city. Western experts say that the situation of the Ukrainian army in Avdeevka, as well as the surrounding area, is becoming increasingly precarious under the pressure of Russia's attack.
Location of Avdeevka and neighboring municipalities. Graphics: RYV
Winning Avdeevka will help Russia expand another 50-60 km on the front line, creating a gateway from the capital Donetsk to other cities such as Konstantinovka in the north, moving closer to the goal of complete control of Donetsk province. Western media said that knocking Ukraine out of Avdeevka would also be a symbolic victory for Russia before two years of conflict broke out.
Vu Anh (Follow AFP)
