Russia launches less assaults near Avdiivka, but uses more infantry and equipment in attacks

This was stated by the spokesman of the press center of the Tavria Defense Forces Oleksandr Shtupun on the Linia Frontu (Frontline) program.

He noted that Russian forces attack in the Avdiivka direction. They are using drones and aircraft to strike at the positions of Ukrainian troops. There were 15 air strikes in total over the last day.

"The number of assaults has decreased, but the enemy used a large number of infantry and armored vehicles in one attack yesterday. That is, there were fewer of them, but they became more massive - more infantry and more armor, tanks and armored combat vehicles," said Shtupun.

At the same time, he remarked that whereas armored vehicles previously remained with the infantry, providing cover, now, following the amphibious landing, these vehicles withdraw.

"The enemy is probably protecting their equipment. But they treat infantry like meat," added Shtupun.

• Over the last day, December 17, 54 combat clashes took place at the frontline. In the Avdiivka direction, the Russian army unsuccessfully tried to break through the defense of Ukrainian troops.
• On December 18, the press center of the Ukrainian General Staff reported that in the Avdiivka direction the Ukrainian Defense Forces hold back the Russian army, who keeps trying to surround Avdiivka.
• Also, the head of Avdiivka city military administration Vitaliy Barabash believes that Russian occupying forces will not be able to capture the city even before the presidential elections in Russia.