Fierce fighting continues within Avdiivka, commander says; sources report retreat from the city

The Armed Forces of Ukraine continue to defend Avdiivka from the Russian army and restrain the enemy’s advance, with fierce fighting continuing within the city, says Oleksandr Tarnavskyi, the commander of the sector, adding that the troops get additional munitions.

“Fierce fighting is taking place within the city. Our troops are using all available forces and means to deter the enemy,” said Tarnavskyi and noted that in addition to the allocation of additional ammunition, the troops are also undergoing planned reinforcement of units and maneuvering in threatened areas.

Also, according to Tarnavskyi, Ukraine continues to prepare new positions and fortifications to be ready for all possible scenarios:

“Commanders on the ground know their task and fulfill it in accordance with the plan of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine to stabilize the situation in this area. The command of the troops is stable and effective,” he said and emphasized that “the highest value and priority for us is to save the lives of Ukrainian soldiers.”

Tarnavskyi emphasized the reiterated military wording that the situation in the operational zone remains tense but under control. Ukraine’s defense forces continue to conduct a defensive operation, inflicting significant losses on the enemy, he says.

On 15 February, Ukraine’s Third Separate Assault Brigade officially confirmed its urgent deployment to the Avdiivka area to reinforce the Ukrainian garrison. According to the military, the situation was “extremely critical” when the brigade entered the city. Maksym Zhorin, deputy commander of the 3rd Brigade, said that fierce fighting was taking place in the area of Avdiivka, with the Russian army advancing from all sides.

Meanwhile, a Ukrainian military source reports on social media, that the Ukrainian troops are finally retreating from the nearly encircled city of Avdiivka, with the 3rd Brigade deployed to cover the relocation. According to the source, Ukraine controls only one dirt road connecting Avdiivka with the government-controlled territory.

Read also:

• Commander: Avdiivka Coke Plant ablaze; several Ukrainian soldiers captured during withdrawal
• Frontline report: Ukrainian defenses hold as Avdiivka faces up to 60 Russian airstrikes in one day
• Military: Russian troops outnumber Ukrainian forces seven to one in Avdiivka direction

The post Fierce fighting continues within Avdiivka, commander says; sources report retreat from the city appeared first on Euromaidan Press.