Avdiivka is unlikely to be encircled, Ukrainian Armed Forces hold strong defense - military expert Zgurets

Defense Express analyst Serhiy Zgurets believes that the reinforcement of the Russian group near Avdiivka will not significantly change the situation

He shared his opinion on the Espreso TV channel.

"When we talk about Avdiivka, the situation there remains difficult. However, just like near Bakhmut, the logistics support of the Ukrainian Defense Forces continues. The Russian forces continue to attack the city from the south and north, but without success. They are suffering huge losses near Avdiivka," said Zgurets.

The analyst emphasized that the Ukrainian army is reliably holding the defense of Avdiivka.

"Avdiivka is as important for Russia as Bakhmut. They are trying to capture the city to reach the borders of the Luhansk and Donetsk regions. The ISW wrote that Russia has deployed the most combat-ready units of the Wagner PMC to Avdiivka. However, this reinforcement of the Russian group will not significantly change the situation near Avdiivka. The defense of Avdiivka by Ukrainian defenders looks very reliable," he added.