Challenging days ahead: military expert Zgurets discusses Avdiivka region situation

He shared this on Espreso TV.

Zgurets stated, "The situation in the Avdiivka direction remains challenging. The enemy persists in exploiting its numerical and equipment superiority, exerting pressure on our defense line. Following the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from Avdiivka, our defense line now runs along the Stepove - Lastochkyne - Sievierne axis. On February 25, Dmytro Lykhoviy, spokesperson for the 'Tavria' military group, reported that our units are now in the western part of Lastochkyne. This suggests the enemy is pushing against our defenses in that area."

Zgurets mentioned unconfirmed reports of the enemy entering both Lastochkyne and Stepove, with ongoing battles, but precise information is currently unavailable.

"Considering the enemy's pressure, there's a genuine intent to advance the defense line. The response from our Armed Forces will significantly influence the outcome. Given potential shortcomings in fortifications and the enemy's superiority, especially in aviation, artillery, and manpower, we may likely retreat to alternate positions within our deep defenses. These coming days are anticipated to be exceptionally challenging, as Russia aims to exploit the current window of opportunity to apply pressure on various front sectors," noted Serhii Zgurets.

• On February 24, the DeepState monitoring platform reported that Russian forces had taken control of Lastochkyne in the Donetsk region.
• The Armed Forces of Ukraine's General Staff reported that our defenders successfully repelled 14 enemy attacks in the Avdiivka region on the same day, specifically in the Lastochkyne area.
• On February 25, Dmytro Lykhovii, the spokesperson for "Tavria" group of forces, stated that the Ukrainian Defense Forces had retreated to the western outskirts of Lastochkyne in the Avdiivka direction.