Russian army cannot break through Ukrainian defense in Avdiivka direction

He spoke about this on Espreso TV.

The most difficult situation in the Avdiivka direction is in the north and southwest.

“Their objectives remain the same - cut off roads, encircle Avdiivka, and report a purported victory to their leader. However, our defense forces hold strong, our units are in position, and despite the difficulties, including adverse weather conditions, all units are fulfilling their combat tasks," explained the military.

The Russian troops are making unsuccessful attempts to attack Ukrainian positions. As for equipment, it is practically not used. "If we spot them on the distant approaches, the vehicles attempting to fire from concealed positions, the same tanks, we engage and have recently hit their T-72 tanks. We are also actively hunting down UAV control centers, understanding that we shouldn't wait for them to come to us," the officer emphasized.

In the industrial zone, Ukrainian forces eliminate Russian troops as this area has been well-fortified and strategically advantageous since 2014. The soldiers are highly motivated in defending this position.

 "If we look at the entire Avdiivka direction - Avdiivka, Marinka - it's in the hundreds around the clock. Even from intercepted communication, we have information that a commander from one of the groups reports: 'We have wounded here,' and says, 'You know what to do; if you don't, I'll...' They dispose of their own to avoid the effort of evacuation and to refrain from providing assistance. Sooner or later, it all affects the morale of their fighters. You can see that things are already brewing there, and Bashkortostan has already risen. I think it's just a matter of time,” Tsehotskyi stated.

• The General Staff´s evening report on January 16 stated that the Russians had stopped their offensive in the Kupyansk direction.
• Last week, the Ukrainian Defense Forces captured up to 10 Russian soldiers in the Kupyansk direction: they surrendered because of the cold.