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Ukraine's Andriivka retaken from Russia, but village razed, military says

15.09.2023 15:00
Ukrainian forces have recaptured the eastern village of Andriivka from Russian control, but the village is completely destroyed, a spokesman for Ukraine's military said on Friday.
A view of porcelain pottery out on the streets of Andriivka.
A view of porcelain pottery out on the streets of Andriivka. Photo: Mustafa Ciftci / Anadolu Agency/ABACAPRESS.COM

The strategic village lies south of Bakhmut, where intense battles have raged since Russia's invasion last February, the AP news agency reported.

Oleksandr Borodin, a spokesman for Ukraine's 3rd Assault Brigade, said that capturing Andriivka was crucial for further advances on Bakhmut's southern flank.

"There is no Andriivka left ... but as a location, it's key," he added.

The village, once home to 77 residents, was deserted even before Russian occupation due to earlier conflicts. Its importance is emphasized by its proximity to a key logistics route for Russian forces.

Ukraine's steady progress in the region aims to encircle Bakhmut, with Andriivka's higher ground now allowing Ukrainian artillery more operational ease, according to reports.

Despite the challenges, Kyiv remains committed to its counteroffensive strategy, rebuffing criticism over its pace.

Elsewhere in the Donetsk region, Ukrainian forces continued to defend towns such as Avdiivka and Maryinka from Russian advancements, the Reuters news agency reported.

In the southeastern Zaporizhzhia region, the Ukrainian General Staff said substantial losses were being inflicted on the enemy near Verbove.

(jh/gs)

Source: IAR, Reuters, Associated Press