Commander-in-chief Zaluzhnyi: Ukrainian army will defend Avdiivka as long as it takes

The Ukrainian army will defend Avdiivka as much as possible, but if there aren't enough forces, it's crucial to prioritize saving people. 

This was stated by the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Valerii Zaluzhnyi, at the Tuesday briefing, Rubryka reports.

"We don't need to focus on creating a 'show or sorrow' near a specific settlement. Our actions follow their own laws, regardless of whether it pleases MPs or journalists," he said.

According to Zaluzhnyi, the enemy has the ability to concentrate its forces in a specific direction. He added that they could do to Avdiivka the same as what happened to Bakhmut in two or three months.

"Every piece of land is dear to us; we'll defend as much as we can. If there are not enough forces, we save people, and then we'll recapture," said Zaluzhnyi.

Situation on the Avdiivka front

After the so-called "lull," there's been a new escalation in Avdiivka, Donetsk region. Russian invaders continue their attempts to capture the city.

Due to the worsening situation on the front line around Avdiivka, the delivery of humanitarian aid to the city is currently suspended. However, there are enough reserves for three months.

According to military analysts from ISW, the first Russian offensive operation in the Avdiivka area on October 10 led to significant losses of Russian equipment. However, Russian forces regrouped and resumed the offensive.

On October 19, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Valerii Zaluzhnyi met with the command of the Ukrainian Defense Forces fighting Russian forces on the Avdiivka front, discussing the sequence of future actions.

The day before, the Ministry of Defense of Britain released a video from Avdiivka.

As a result of shelling and attacks by Russian occupation forces in Avdiivka, many residential buildings have been completely destroyed, with large craters in the yards from bombardments. The city is gradually turning into ruins.