Ukrainian military on Avdiivka: we unable to hold city, but reinforcements arrive

Radio Liberty reports, citing Ivan Sekach, the head of the 110th brigade's communications service.

"We don't have sufficient capabilities to hold the city, but reinforcements are coming, and we count on friendly units... For the first time in nearly two years of the 110th Separate Mechanized Brigade's operation, some of our units have been fully withdrawn from combat for rest and rotation. Indeed, reinforcements have arrived. I won't specify which unit it is, but it's substantial support, and we feel a bit more at ease now that it's here," Sekach says.

According to Sekach, Russian forces are attempting to cut off supply lines and outnumber Ukrainian forces. In his view, Russian forces are trying to seize Avdiivka before the presidential elections in Russia, scheduled for March of this year, using all possible means.

"They have a significant advantage in full-fledged aviation, meaning we cannot influence their air raids, bombing of the city, and our positions in any way. They have a vast number of personnel they don't hesitate to use, and they constantly experiment with different groups, employing armored vehicles. They have a mission, and they're trying to accomplish it by any means," Sekach says.

• According to the Ministry of Defenсe of Great Britain.Avdiivka remains a key focus for Russia, with ongoing attempts to capture the city and continued attacks in the southeastern part.

• Military expert Dmytro Sniehyrov says that around Avdiivka the Russian troops are trying to flank Ukrainian positions to block rotation, supply of ammunition, and evacuation of the wounded.