Ukrainian troops in the area of Avdiivka in the Donetsk region, are successfully repelling numerous attacks by the criminal army of Russia and preventing the enemy from depriving them of supply routes.
What is known about situation in Avdiivka area
According to Dmytro Lazutkin, the Chief of Public Relations of the 47th Separate Mechanized Brigade, the Russian occupiers are trying to change their tactics and regroup.
He also added that with the support of artillery and mortar fire, Russian occupiers are trying to storm Stepove north of Avdiivka.
If we talk about the coke plant (the Avdiivka Coke and Chemical Plant - ed.), their efforts end at its fence. Ammunition is being delivered and the wounded are being evacuated. Food and water are also being delivered, the Ukrainian military stressed.
He explained that his brigade was holding defensive positions on the northern flank of the Avdiivka sector near the railway.
The fiercest fighting is currently taking place in the area of Stepove and the Avdiivka plant.
How Russian army plans to fight in Ukraine in 2024
According to military expert and the head of the Center of Military-Law Researches NGO, Oleksandr Musiienko, the actions of Russian war criminals now indicate their desire to make some progress in eastern Ukraine during the winter.
The enemy's tactics now indicate that the Russians would like to make some territorial gains this winter, especially in the east, and would like to move forward. Obviously, there was a plan to capture the entire Donetsk region by the end of this year, but it failed. Therefore, they decided to limit themselves to reporting to Shoigu-Putin that they had moved almost 3 km in the area of Maryinka since March this year, having actually destroyed the settlement with their artillery, the analyst said.
In his opinion, until the spring of next year, the Russian occupiers will prioritise attacks in eastern Ukraine and partly in the south.
Obviously, some such offensive actions of the enemy are increasing in the Orikhiv and Zaporizhzhia directions, and our forces are holding them back there. But I admit that during the winter and even early spring, Russian troops may, let's say, make some minor tactical gains that will not lead to operational and strategic breakthroughs. That is, they will not have any significant breakthrough movement. Because the Ukrainian forces are confidently holding the line of defence, despite the fact that they have to retreat somewhere, make a tactical retreat. The situation is under control, Musiienko said.
The expert suggested that after repelling this wave of enemy attacks, the Ukrainian military will continue to actively defend itself.
After our forces succeed in repelling these attacks in the east, Ukrainian troops will move to active defence, as they are now. The goal will be to reduce the enemy's offensive potential as much as possible, to increase its losses in manpower, equipment, forces and means. And then I do not exclude that there may be certain counterattacks and battles that may already lead to the success of Ukrainian troops. In addition, there is still some intrigue for the future regarding the foothold on the left-bank of the Kherson region in Krynky. It is possible that our offensive actions may intensify there, the analyst said.
According to him, the situation remains difficult, but there is no reason for despair and fatalism.
Ukraine has preserved its statehood, sovereignty and independence. Russia has not achieved its strategic goals and has no opportunity to achieve them now. Yes, we have not yet won — this must also be acknowledged. Yes, we have some territories that are still occupied by Russian troops. But this is not a victory for Russia either. Moreover, judging by the situation on the frontline, I see no reason for any fatalistic and apocalyptic sentiments or predictions. The situation is not easy, but the enemy's attacks are being repelled. And in principle, it cannot be said that the enemy can actively attack. It can make some tactical gains, but absolutely not any significant successes, Musiienko said.
