Near Avdiivka, Ukraine (Reuters) – Ukrainian soldiers stationed around new positions outside of Avdiivka claim that Russian forces who took control of the eastern Ukrainian town continue to advance towards nearby towns and villages.
Andriy, a Ukrainian drone pilot of the 47th Mechanised Brigade, expressed concern about the ongoing assault by Russian forces. “It doesn’t stop with them taking Avdiivka. They are advancing towards the nearby villages, and then, Myrnohrad and Pokrovsk, the nearest larger towns,” he said.
The Russian forces captured Avdiivka after months of bombardment, resulting in the town being reduced to rubble. This was Russia’s most significant battlefield success since capturing Bakhmut in May 2023. The capture of Avdiivka indicated a shift in momentum as the second anniversary of the Russian invasion approaches, with President Vladimir Putin stating that Russian troops will advance further into Ukraine.
According to Andriy, the Russian forces have a large manpower and continue to shell Ukrainian positions. He also mentioned the use of guided aerial bombs, but noted that there is slightly less bombardment now.
A member of the unit launched an FPV (First Point View) drone and controlled its trajectory on a monitor. The drone eventually detected an explosion and flew into a dugout. Andriy and his fellow unit member, identified as Huk, tracked the progress of the drones.
Footage from the drones revealed the vast coke and chemical plant on the edge of Avdiivka, once one of Europe’s largest, and the surrounding area. The video showed two blurred figures, assumed to be Russian soldiers, walking through an open area.
Maksym Zhorin, Ukraine’s Third Assault Brigade Deputy Commander, wrote on Telegram, “The situation on the Avdiivka front is quite clear. The Russians will advance as far as their strength allows, depending on who among them survives.”
Andriy and Huk are not disillusioned by the difficult situation. Huk expressed the belief that the Russians are regathering their forces in order to continue their attacks. “It seems like things are calmer, but they are continuing their attempts to capture Lastochkyne,” he said, referring to a village to the northwest.
Andriy added, “We will keep working. That is our duty. And first of all, we are waiting to be replaced. We would like at least part of our ranks to rotate out. We don’t just want our ranks to be replenished.”
(Writing by Ron Popeski; Editing by David Gregorio)
