Why is Russia eyeing the 'post-apocalyptic city' nearly 100km from Bakhmut?

Avdiivka, a city located nearly 100km south of Bakhmut in the Donetsk region, has been a frontline since 2014. It is now considered a site of military importance by the UK Ministry of Defence .

Vitalii Barabash, a city official, has strongly advised residents to evacuate amid increased Russian shelling, comparing Avdiivka to "a location from a post-apocalyptic movie."

Ukrainian troops in Bakhmut. (Photo: Reuters)

"The railway line in Avdiivka is important because, first of all, it is the route through which Russia supplies the front line. Therefore, controlling Avdiivka will allow the country to move more troops and equipment more quickly, as well as facilitate the establishment of a logistics center," Mikhail Alexseev, Professor of Political Science at San Diego State University, told Newsweek.

"From Avdiivka, the railway line will lead to Pokrovske, which is considered an important area where the Ukrainian army is currently gathering forces and could become the next target. In a broader sense, the main railway lines from Avdiivka will also lead to Dnipro and Kiev."

In addition to the railways, he said a large reservoir in the city was also essential infrastructure because it supplied water to much of Donetsk. Control of Avdiivka would facilitate Russian advances there.

However, Oxana Shevel, a professor of political science at Tufts University, said that Russia's shift of focus from Bakhmut to Avdiivka was not "a significant development".

"Russia has been trying to gain control of Bakhmut for months now. Now they are looking at whether Avdiivka has any weaknesses or is less protected than Bakhmut to have a better option to gain ground in this area."

Kieu Anh (VOV.VN)

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Source: https://vtc.vn/vi-sao-nga-de-mat-den-thanh-pho-hau-tan-the-cach-bakhmut-gan-100km-ar761955.html