Commander: Avdiivka Coke Plant ablaze; several Ukrainian soldiers captured during withdrawal

At 21:00 on 16 February, Commander of Ukraine’s Tavria Operational and Strategic Grouping, Oleksandr Tarnavskyi, reported intense battles ongoing within Avdiivka, with the Russian troops continuing to launch artillery strikes and massive bombing raids, “erasing the city from the face of the earth.”

“The enemy is throwing all reserves into the assault, transferring them from other directions, and trying to penetrate our defense,” Tarnavskyi wrote.

According to Tarnavskyi, despite being outnumbered in personnel, artillery, and aviation, the Ukrainian defense forces continue to hold back the Russian invaders. Since the beginning of the day, Ukrainian defenders have repelled more than 30 attacks in the Avdiivka area. The Russian forces carried out 20 air strikes and over one hundred and fifty artillery bombardments. In addition to Avdiivka, nearly 20 surrounding settlements, including Novobakhmutivka, Berdyche, Lastochkyne, and Nevelske, experienced artillery and mortar fire.

“From destroyed positions, Ukrainian warriors maneuver and consolidate on new defense lines,” Tarnavskyi emphasized.

He stressed that the priority is the preservation of the lives of Ukrainian soldiers, who retreat to new positions if necessary. As per Tarnavskyi, during one such withdrawal, several soldiers were captured. “We will fight for the release of every comrade,” Tarnavskyi declared.

In the basement of the Avdiivka Coke plant

Ukrainian soldiers of the Third Assault Brigade take cover from constant enemy shelling, and medics stabilize the wounded, even when the ceiling is shaking from regular guided bomb strikes

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