Russia halts air strikes on Avdiivka front for two days, Ukrainian Armed Forces prepare for escalation

Oleksandr Shtupun, spokesman for the Tavria direction, shared the information on the United News telethon.

"As of 6:00 a.m. on January 21, the enemy has not carried out any air strikes in our operational area for two days. However, yesterday they slightly increased artillery activity - 703 artillery attacks were recorded, " he said.

Also, according to the spokesman, there were fewer firefights yesterday, totaling only 30, and FPV drones were deployed. Nonetheless, with Russian troops undergoing regrouping, the Ukrainian Armed Forces are gearing up for an escalation in Russian activity.

Russian forces concentrated their main efforts near Avdiivka, Nevelske and Pervomayske. In total, 23 Russian attacks were repelled in the Avdiivka sector, noted Shtupun.

"The enemy made an attempt to advance west of Verbove. In particular, one more modern Russian armored personnel carrier BMD-4 was destroyed there," he noted.

• Ukrainian Air Force spokesman Yuriy Ihnat says that the Russian Il-22 aircraft will definitely not take off after the damage incurred on January 15 over the Sea of Azov.