Ukrainian officials announced that Kiev had withdrawn its forces from the southeastern suburb of Avdeevka, affirming that this did not bring tactical benefits to Russia.
"After many months of fighting, the command decided to withdraw from the Zenit position in the southeastern suburb of Avdeevka, in order to protect soldiers' lives and improve combat operations," said General Oleksandr Tarnavsky, commander of the combat group. – Tavria strategy in charge of the eastern front of the Ukrainian army, said on February 16.
He emphasized that this decision does not give Russia a tactical advantage, nor does it change the defensive situation of Ukrainian forces in Avdeevka. “The regrouping of forces, replenishment of supplies and placement of new units are underway,” the official said.
Ukrainian Bradley armored vehicle in position near Avdeevka on February 11. Image:AFP
Tarnavsky also said that Avdeevka is currently the "hottest spot" on the front line and that Ukrainian forces are under great pressure from Russian troops. "The enemy conducted massive bombings day and night and continuously attacked simultaneously from many directions," he said.
According to Maksym Zhorin, deputy commander of the 3rd Ukrainian Brigade, the force that has just been deployed to Avdeevka, Russia is now dropping about 60-80 hover bombs into the city every day, turning it into ruins.
Tarnavsky then announced that a number of Ukrainian soldiers were captured by Russian forces while moving to new positions, adding that the country's forces repelled 30 attacks on February 16, causing the enemy to suffer. heavy losses".
“Since the beginning of the year, Russia has lost more than 20.000 soldiers, 199 tanks and 481 armored vehicles fighting in this direction,” he said.
Russian officials have not commented on the information.
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.
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. US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby on the same day warned that Avdeevka could soon fall if Ukrainian forces do not receive additional ammunition.
General Tarnavsky also previously hinted at the possibility of withdrawing units from the inner city and regrouping at more fortified bases outside the city.
Winning Avdeevka will help the Russian army 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.
Location of Avdeevka and neighboring municipalities. Graphics:RYV
Pham Giang (Follow Reuters, Kyiv Post)
