Another escalation in Avdiivka: official tells about Russia's possible offensive plan

Avdiivka city military administration head Vitaliy Barabash told Espreso TV channel.

"Talking to the commanders, we understand that there will most likely be another escalation. When the ground freezes, the Russians will move again with their equipment. The guys see interceptions, there is a certain regrouping. The Russians are amassing forces, so we should expect another escalation," he said.

Barabash spoke about the Russian forces' actions in the Avdiivka direction and the situation at the front in general. According to him, there are fewer assault actions, but the Russian troops are trying to keep the entire defense line around the city in tension, either from the south or from the north, on the flanks, or in the frontline. "The Russians are constantly trying to keep the Ukrainian Armed Forces in tension with small groups. But, for example, the industrial zone is a gray area. The invading Russian forces try to enter it, but Ukrainian troops do not allow them to pass. As soon as they get there, the Ukrainian Armed Forces work out the artillery," he noted. In Stepove, the Russian troops also actively tried to conduct assault operations. However, they have no control over Stepove.

As for Novobakhmutivka, Ukrainian troops pushed the Russians back to their old positions and are keeping it under control, added the head of Avdiivka Military Administration.

• Earlier, Avdiivka military administration head Barabash named the main goal of the Russian Federation in the Avdiivka direction. According to him, the priority task of the Russian Federation in the Avdiivka direction is to cut off the Ukrainian Armed Forces' logistics. To do this, the Russian troops are moving many forces to Stepove.