Russia enters Avdiivka, Ukraine denies defeat

The Kyiv Post on February 9 quoted Vitaliy Barabash, head of the Avdiivka military government, confirming on television that Russian forces were entering the suburbs of the eastern Ukrainian city.

Ukrainian servicemen fighting in Avdiivka in November 2023

The official described the situation as very challenging as Russian troops attempted to encircle the city from the southern and northern flanks, trying to cut off the coke plant from the city.

Mr Barabash confirmed that Russian forces had entered the outskirts of Avdiivka and were present in some private areas of the city but were successfully stopped by Ukrainian soldiers.

"I read on Telegram channels that Avdiivka has fallen. There is no such thing. The moment when 'everything is lost' and 'there is no way back' is far away," Barabash said, saying the rumors were defaming the Ukrainian forces.

Currently, 935 residents remain in Avdiivka despite the fighting, complicating evacuation efforts. On February 8, six people were evacuated. The coke plant is a key point in the city's defenses.

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Recent satellite images from the Institute for the Study of War (USA) show that Russian forces have advanced slightly from the south of Avdiivka. Mr. Barabash warned this week that Russia is re-escalating the fighting to capture Avdiivka and is advancing from all directions with very large forces. In October 2023, Russia tried to advance to control Avdiivka.

Avdiivka is considered a gateway to the strategically important city of Donetsk. Control of Avdiivka would be a milestone for Russia, especially as it approaches the second anniversary of Moscow's military operation in Ukraine and the Russian presidential election.

Source link: https://thanhnien.vn/nga-tien-vao-avdiivka-ukraine-bac-tin-that-thu-185240210093602022.htm