Russia tries to breach Ukrainian defenses in Avdiivka to drive infantry inside - Ukrainian military

He said this on the Espreso TV channel.

"Putin's army keeps trying to capture Avdiivka. The enemy is currently seeking to adapt its tactics and strategy to the challenges it faces. The enemy is trying to saturate its troops with infantry. Russians also use mechanized troops, but to a lesser extent. It seems that the occupying Russian forces are attempting to destroy the existing defense lines of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in order to draw their infantry units into this breach," explained Tymochko.

According to the Ukrainian Armed Forces serviceman, the Russian forces are in a hurry to capture Avdiivka because Putin has to present something at the federal assembly before the elections.

"Putin expects to dedicate several paragraphs to Avdiivka in his speech, saying that Russian troops captured Avdiivka under his command. Therefore, the issue of Avdiivka is now an acute one for the invaders, and in their understanding, the capture has been delayed in time. This affects the disgrace of the Russian army. The enemy has brought the best units to Avdiivka, deployed all forces and resources, but Avdiivka is holding on," said Tymochko.

• There were 92 combat engagements in the frontline over the last day. Ukrainian defenders repelled Russian attacks in 7 sectors and neutralized 890 Russian soldiers.
• Former platoon commander of the Aidar battalion Yevhen Dykyi stated that Russian forces are unable to occupy the entire Donetsk region.