Russia may turn to Horlivka direction - Ukrainian Armed Forces serviceman Ievlev

He told this on Espreso TV channel.

"We are holding the defense line in the Horlivka sector. Everyone knows the situation that our military withdrew from Avdiivka to more favorable positions. We are still at maximum combat readiness because the enemy can move up and use their equipment against us. Our unit is reaching as far as it can and conducting drone attacks on enemy equipment and personnel. So far, we have not seen any movement of the invaders in our direction," the military said.

According to him, Ukrainian defenders in the Horlivka sector have been preparing for months, realizing that Russian equipment could divert toward them.

"We are prepared. There is a certain area that the enemy will have to pass through and put their equipment and personnel. If you look at the map, it will be logical that the enemy will gradually put pressure on our area after Avdiivka, as they need to level the front line," commented Yevhen Ievlev.

• On the night of February 16-17, to avoid encirclement and save the lives of the military, the Ukrainian Defense Forces command decided to withdraw the units from Avdiivka and move to defense on more favorable lines.

• The commander of the Tavria sector said that during the retreat from Avdiivka in Donetsk region, "a number" of Ukrainian defenders were taken prisoner by Russia.

• Ukrainian soldiers from the 3rd Separate Mechanized Brigade inflicted significant losses on the Russians in the battle for Avdiivka.

• Ukraine's Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said that the decision to withdraw from Avdiivka was the right one and that Ukrainian soldiers require some weapons and equipment.