Russia launched major offensive on Avdiivka
Another decisive battle of the war has begun.
Avdiivka is strategically important to Russia, as it is the gateway to Donetsk, the main communication hub in the occupied territories. And in order to gain a foothold in the occupied Donbas, Putin needs to move the front line away from Donetsk.
In 2022, Russian troops launched an offensive on Avdiivka, trying to take the city completely from both flanks. However, the Russian offensive was stopped by the heroic resistance of Ukrainians.
The battle for Avdiivka will be more hard-fought than the battle for Vuhledar in winter.
The presence of dense buildings in Donetsk and Yasynuvata contributes to covert actions, the deployment of artillery among residential areas, and the covert actions of armored vehicles. Russia has concentrated significant aviation forces using high-precision weapons and a large number of shells that it could have received from North Korea and Iran.
The Russians are trying to create a big advantage in drones.
Russian drones, along with artillery, are being used to hit the frontline positions. The enemy is trying to open the way for its infantry and tanks to break through the combat formations of our troops, primarily by using a large number of precision-guided munitions.
The main attack is coming from the south of Avdiivka. Unlike the first offensive on Avdiivka, which lasted from July 2022 to March 2023, the current capture of the city is planned in a much shorter bulge. However, the enemy is trying to avoid fighting in the urban area and create a threat of encirclement for our troops in the city.
The situation is very serious, the battle for Avdiivka requires the concentration of all resources.
The Ukrainian Defense Forces also have their own advantages in the area. We are well aware of where and how the enemy is going to move. Now these advantages must be realized. There are many targets for our artillery and attack drones.
A very difficult battle has begun.
Yurii Butusov, Censor.NET
