Ukrainian military Lazutkin discusses Avdiivka situation

Dmytro Lazutkin, head of the public relations service of the 47th Magura brigade, provided insights on the Espreso morning broadcast.

"Everything depends on having the necessary forces and resources. The Russian occupiers still have reserves. They can replenish manpower, but equipment is more of a challenge. Approaching the battle line, their equipment often gets destroyed, like an infantry fighting vehicle acting as a taxi for their troops. Sometimes, it doesn't return as it's burned, and the infantry tries to break through gradually," explained Lazutkin.

He noted that the line of contact shifts by 100 meters occasionally, but these changes are deemed insignificant.

"However, caution is essential, recognizing their persistent attempts to leave Avdiivka and disrupt logistics. Their failures through Stepove and Berdychi, as well as the unsuccessful entry into the Avdiivka chemical plant, resulted in getting repulsed," he stated.

Lazutkin stressed that Russia’s losses in manpower are tenfold higher than in the Ukrainian army. In terms of equipment, the gap is even more significant. "They search for opportunities, exploring moves. In the eastern part of Avdiivka, they attempt breakthroughs, aiming to cover a larger area from the north. It's premature to declare their actions effective; since October 10, Avdiivka has held, defense remains robust, and losses are comparatively lower," he added.

• On February 3, according to a report from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), the Russian military exploited Ukraine's ammunition shortage and the Ukrainian Armed Forces' limitations in conducting effective counter-battery operations.
• Throughout the day on February 3, there were 45 combat clashes along the front. The Ukrainian Armed Forces maintained a defensive position on the left bank of the Kherson region, successfully repelling 4 assault attempts.