According to AVP, after escaping from Avdeevka, the Ukrainian Armed Forces began to seize the following defense lines. Igor Nikulin, a former member of the UN Disarmament Committee, said that the Russian army's capture of Avdeevka was a significant success and could be compared to the control of key cities such as Mariupol and Artemovsk.
According to him, the Armed Forces of Ukraine suffered serious losses in the region, thousands of their soldiers were killed, the rest withdrew massively and could not be called an orderly withdrawal.
Mr. Nikulin also commented that controlling Avdeevka opens up new opportunities for the deployment of further offensive operations by the Russian army.
In addition, the expert expressed the opinion that the Ukrainian Armed Forces may retreat to the next line of defense, passing through Slavyansk, Kramatorsk and Chasov Yar. This is where the Ukrainian army will likely try to consolidate its strength.
The situation in Avdeevka and the subsequent actions of the Russian military underline the importance of the successes achieved in the context of the ongoing conflict. Military correspondent Vladimir Romanov also stressed that the Ukrainian Armed Forces were forced to leave the settlements under heavy fire from the Russian military.
On February 18, the Russian Defense Ministry released a video showing Kiev forces withdrawing from the strategic town of Avdeevka in Donetsk before the order to withdraw was given by the Commander-in-Chief of Ukraine, Alexander Syrsky. Russian forces used precision weapons to attack retreating Ukrainian soldiers and military equipment.
In a previous press conference, the Russian Defense Ministry said that Russia's Tsentr Force Group had taken full control of Avdeevka and advanced 8.6 km, bringing the total controlled territory to 31.75 km2.
Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu reported to President Vladmir Putin on the complete control of Avdeevka on February 17.
Russia’s success in the Avdeevka operation is a major blow to Kiev. Now, the Russian military is reportedly preparing to expand its operations north and west of the town. Recent reports also indicate that Russia has launched attacks in the direction of Robotino and Verbovoe in Zaporozhye.
HOA AN (According to SF, AVP)
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