Vitaliy Barabash, the head of Avdiivka’s military administration, reported the town being incessantly targeted from air and ground through artillery and extensive troop deployments. Despite the onslaught, Ukrainian forces are reportedly maintaining their position.
In a statement on Saturday morning, the General Staff Armed Forces of Ukraine said: "The enemy does not stop trying to break through our defenses, but so far without success. Our defenders have repelled about 20 enemy attacks in the area of the settlements of Avdiyivka, Keramik, Tonenke, Severnye, Pervomaiske, Netaylovye," all located in the Donetsk region.
Over the past few months, Russia has primarily aimed to hamper the advances of Ukrainian forces, who have been navigating through Russian minefields and fortified trenches, meanwhile also conducting air strikes targeting Ukraine's port and grain infrastructure. Ukraine's authorities have reported a discernible increase in Russian troops and heavy equipment around Avdiivka.
Kyiv asserts that Moscow intends to encircle and capture Avdiivka, situated just northwest of the Russian-occupied city of Donetsk, subsequently forcing the diversion of Ukrainian forces from other active fronts.
Avdiivka has emerged as a symbol of resistance, hindering Russia from achieving full control over the Donetsk region, which Russia claims it has annexed.
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Source: PAP