As in Bakhmut, Avdiivka's role may be to destroy large number of enemy forces — veteran Hetman

He shared his opinions with Espreso TV.

"Let me stick to the opinions of those who are well versed in this. This is, for example, the American Institute for the Study of War, which analyzed the situation and understands it perfectly. Even if we have to withdraw from Avdiivka, there will be no significant strategic changes on the Eastern front, as we call the front from Kupyansk to Vuhledar," said Hetman.

He also added that Avdiivka could become the second Bakhmut, as it will fulfill its military mission - the destruction of a large number of enemy troops.

"Near Bakhmut, the enemy put down about 50,000 people, for every 42 cm of Bakhmut territory, there is one life of a Russian soldier. What have they achieved? Nothing. What has changed? What has changed is that we are now attacking and trying to liberate Bakhmut without suffering such heavy losses as the Russians. The same may happen with Avdiivka, and after grinding a very large number of enemy, we will have to withdraw from this city, and nothing will change in principle," the veteran said.

• The Institute for the Study of War predicts that significant losses of Russian equipment near Avdiivka may hamper Russia’s long-term offensive capabilities.

• On October 27, President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, discussed the situation at the front with the Prime Minister of Great Britain, Rishi Sunak.

• Serhii Tsekhotskyi, an officer with the 59th Separate Motorized Infantry Brigade named after Yakiv Handziuk, highlighted the success of Ukrainian Defense Forces in repelling Russian attacks near Avdiivka.

• On October 28, the UK Ministry of Defense received information that Russian troops were unlikely to fulfill the Kremlin's expectations regarding the capture of Avdiivka.

• Military observer Denys Popovych said that the Russian army is trying to surround Avdiivka to bring Ukraine to the negotiating table.

• On October 29, in the Avdiivka direction, Ukrainian border guards destroyed a Russian warplane, presumably a Su-25, using a portable air defense system (MANPADS).