Russian forces outnumber Ukrainian troops 10 times in Avdiivka sector - National Guard Reserve Major Hetman

He said this on the Espreso TV channel.

"We expected the withdrawal of troops from Avdiivka, but there was information about the opposite, that the 3rd assault mechanized brigade was deployed there. This indicates that we are not going to leave Avdiivka yet, but will continue to hold the defense in the area. The First Army Corps of the Russian Federation is fighting against the Ukrainian Armed Forces there, at least 20 thousand people, although we know the enemy troops are more numerous. The advantage of the Russians in the number of personnel in that segment of the front is at least 10 times," emphasized Hetman.

According to the military expert, Avdiivka's task is to minimize the enemy's armed forces.

"The Russians' losses are enormous, but we are also suffering losses. Talking about the need to withdraw from there to save people's lives is the right thing to do, but we need to be careful with such analyses. Because if we withdraw people, there will be fighting there too. And there will be casualties there, just like in the other part of the frontline. To decide whether to withdraw people from Avdiivka or not, we need to analyze the situation. And only our General Staff can do this," said Hetman.