Avdiivka is Putin's window to geopolitical arena - serviceman Tymochko

He expressed this opinion on Espreso TV.

"Avdiivka is actually Putin's window to the geopolitical arena. This is the direction where Putin once hoped to conduct a successful operation, surround Avdiivka and demonstrate to his allies, especially to Xi Jinping, that he is still ready and able to organize attacks and that the Russian army has offensive potential. It is worth mentioning that the attack on Avdiivka coincided with Putin's announcement during his meeting with the Chinese leader that he was ready for negotiations. In other words, he was very confident that the Russian army would launch a successful attack on Avdiivka and would be able to demonstrate the moment of encirclement," commented the head of the Reservists' Council.

In his opinion, this is not a new Russian tactic; we can recall the Debaltseve situation, after which the Russians received the Minsk agreements. Perhaps they were hoping for the same thing now.

"But when the situation didn't go according to plan and Putin flew to Rostov-on-Don, he sent his 'greetings' to the Russian army. And the Russian military has realized that if they stop the attack or retreat in the Avdiivka direction, it will mean death for them in the literal sense. That's why the invaders have accumulated all their forces there. At this point, they have already brought in about three combined arms armies, not counting the paratrooper division, marines, Storm Z, and more," the Ukrainian Armed Forces serviceman said.

According to him, Avdiivka is a well-fortified area and the Russian army is well aware of this, which is why such massive and fierce attacks are taking place.

"Besides, Avdiivka is very close to Donetsk, and our military easily destroyed enemy depots there with artillery. Of course, the enemy will try to push back the front line to secure their warehouses and supply lines. Our military leadership also understands this. Will the Russians take Avdiivka? I hope that they will not succeed in the near future," summarized Tymochko.

• On October 30, the head of the Avdiivka city military administration, Vitaliy Barabash, said that the invaders were regrouping near Avdiivka. A new wave of assaults is expected in the coming days.
• The Institute for War Studies noted that the Russian occupation forces are probably preparing for another wave of ground attacks near Avdiivka, Donetsk region, despite their heavy losses. Later, Barabash said that there was no third wave of attacks on Avdiivka yet, but the Russian army was keeping the tension around the city.
• On November 8, it was reported that the last 16 employees of the Avdiivka Coke Plant had been evacuated.
• Estonian intelligence chief Ants Kiviselg said that Russians will try to capture Avdiivka by the end of the year, despite the fact that the city has no strategic importance.