Ukrainian and Russian troops are engaged in “fierce fighting” in Avdiivka, Oleksandr Tarnavskiy, a senior Ukrainian military commander, said on social media on Friday.
In recent days, Ukrainian forces claim to be carrying out counterattacks on neighborhoods conquered by the Russians.
“Our troops are using all available forces and means to contain the enemy,” Commander Tarnavskiy assured.
This announcement comes the day after statements made by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky who assured that Kiev was doing “everything possible” to save its struggling troops on the eastern front, particularly in the town of Avdiïvka, where the situation is described as “critical” and where reinforcements have been sent.
This city, which has suffered Russian attacks for months, has become a symbol of Ukrainian resistance.
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Ukrainian forces are also establishing new defensive positions around Avdiivka, with the army also signaling a possible withdrawal in the face of waves of Russian attacks.
“New positions have been established and powerful fortifications continue to be installed, taking into account all possible scenarios,” Commander Tarnavskiy said.
Priority to soldiers
He stressed that kyiv's priority is to protect its troops: "We value every piece of Ukrainian territory, but the greatest value and priority for us is to preserve the life of every Ukrainian soldier."
Describing the situation in Avdiivka as “difficult but under control,” he added that his commanders had been tasked with “stabilizing the situation.”
In this Donbass city ravaged by fighting, the position of the Ukrainian defenders is increasingly precarious in the face of Russian forces who have been on the offensive since October.
The fall of Avdiivka would be an important symbolic victory for Russia.