Ukrainian forces withdraw from south-eastern outskirts of Avdiivka

Commander of the "Tavria" operational-strategic grouping, General Oleksandr Tarnavskyi, announced that the command has decided to withdraw from the "Zenit" position on the southeastern outskirts of Avdiivka. 

"We held this position for as long as it effectively restrained and destroyed the enemy," he said on Telegram, Rubryka reports.

According to him, the decision to withdraw was made to preserve troops and improve the operational situation.

"Tactically occupying these positions does not give the enemy a strategic advantage or change the situation within the Avdiivka defensive operation," Tarnavskyi noted. "The troops are regrouping, replenishing supplies, and organizing units at new positions. Planned reinforcement of units is also ongoing."

Battles on the Avdiivka front

Avdiivka is called the "gateway to Donetsk," and Russian occupiers have been trying to capture the city since the fall of 2023. According to the Ukrainian military, Russians have lost tens of thousands of soldiers in battles for Avdiivka.

The occupiers managed to enter Avdiivka. Another defense outpost remains in the local coke plant. The Ukrainian Armed Forces stressed that the situation in Avdiivka is approaching critical. Yesterday, February 15, the press service of the 3rd Storm Brigade officially confirmed that they had been redeployed to the Avdiivka area to strengthen the Ukrainian defense.

Fighters from the 3rd Separate Storm Brigade are holding defensive positions in the eastern city of Avdiivka. The Russian forces have superior resources, which they are deploying in battle, the brigade press officer, Oleksandr Borodin, stated. According to him, the Russians have deployed forces from two regular armies, with a brigade ratio of 7 to 1. The Russian occupiers are increasing the use of guided aerial bombs and phosphorus bombs.

Russian forces are trying to cut off supply lines; they outnumber Ukrainians in forces because the Russian command has practically unlimited human resources and equipment.

Russian occupiers have concentrated over 40,000 troops on the Avdiivka front and lost 300-400 occupants daily.

As of January 30, fewer than 1,000 civilians are still in Avdiivka. The evacuation from the city continues.

Russian occupation forces are deploying armored groups for assaults on Avdiivka and Novomykhailivka, sending them to support infantry groups. Ukrainian troops are holding defense steadfastly, destroying the enemy and capturing prisoners.