Russia prepares for long fighting in Avdiivka's urban area - Defense Express

He said this on the Espreso TV channel.

"It is too early to draw conclusions about the situation in Avdiivka. Because there is no clear understanding of where the enemy is actually located. There is a general understanding that the occupying Russian forces are trying to break into the city. But where exactly are they? There are sources who unofficially say that it is the area of Avdiivka's coke plant. Other sources say that the Russians are almost there. From our resources, it looks like the situation is catastrophic. But it is paradoxical that Russian military analytical resources urge their society not to be fed by hot expectations. Apparently, the Russians are preparing for the fighting in the urban area of Avdiivka to be prolonged," Kyrychevskyi emphasized.

According to the military expert, it is possible that the phase of fighting in Avdiivka's urban area has begun, but it is too early to draw conclusions.

"As for the potential of the Russians to advance, the question is open. Because the situation depends not only on the situation of the Russians, but also on our situation. At the moment, we can state that the fighting has begun in the suburban area of Avdiivka, but it is too early to draw conclusions. This is because the phase of fighting in the urban area may last for several weeks or several months," noted Kyrychevskyi.

• There were 126 combat engagements between Ukrainian and Russian troops in the frontline over the last day. Ukrainian forces repelled most of Russian attacks in the Avdiivka, Marinka and Lyman sectors. Russian army's losses in personnel reached 390,000 soldiers.