Russia wants to 'finish off' Avdiivka, and it is political goal - military expert

He shared his opinions with Espreso TV.

"The Russians currently have sufficient human resources for an intensive offensive, estimated to last approximately two months. Following this period, their human capital will likely be depleted for some time. Whatever territorial gains the enemy achieves during this window will pose significant challenges for us to reclaim. First and foremost, the occupiers want to finish off Avdiivka, and this is a political goal. No Russian general would willingly sacrifice as many troops as they are in Avdiivka. Presently, the casualty ratio stands at one to twelve in our favor, yet the enemy persists in ‘meat’ assaults. This is a direct order from Putin," emphasized Dykyi.

According to the former platoon commander of the Aidar battalion, if Russian troops manage to capture Avdiivka, Kupyansk will be the next target.

"This is not only a political target. The fact is that Kupyansk-Vuzlovyi station is an extremely important logistics hub for the enemy. There is a branch line that goes deep into Russia. As for the capture of the entire Donetsk region, the Russians are very far from it. Even the expected fall of Avdiivka will not bring them any closer. If the enemy presses Avdiivka, it will practically level the front line. The Russians will not break through into the depths of our front. In order to occupy the entire Donetsk region, the enemy needs to break through our front somewhere. There are several areas where this is potentially possible, but appropriate measures are being taken there," noted Dykyi. 

• Over the past day, 126 combat clashes took place between Ukrainian and Russian troops on the frontline. Ukrainian forces repelled most of the attacks in the Avdiivka, Marinka and Lyman direction. Meanwhile, the losses of the Russian army in personnel reached 390,000 soldiers.
• Defence Express military expert Ivan Kyrychevskyi noted that it is too early to draw conclusions about the situation in Avdiivka.