Ukrainian army stabilizes situation in Avdiivka sector. Weekly military results by Serhiy Zgurets

Frontline situation: Avdiivka

Now Berdychi is being held by the 47th Brigade quite reliably. The Russian troops are being destroyed on the approaches. Orlivka and Tonenke are under the control of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, primarily using artillery. Both Ukrainian and Russian troops are operating in the villages. It is noteworthy that this week there were many counterattacks in different parts of the frontline. This suggests that the Ukrainian military may have received reinforcements in reserves and artillery. Most likely, the Armed Forces will continue to hold this area. But Russian troops will also use this "window of opportunity" with their superiority in numbers to achieve some success in this area, which has become politically important to them.

Chasiv Yar

Intense fighting continues near Bohdanivka and in Ivanivske. However, this does not allow the Russian army to break through the Ukrainian defense. Holding Chasiv Yar is an important task for the Ukrainian military. The presence of fortifications and forces in this area will help ensure the maintenance of this defense line. Chasiv Yar is a tempting target for the Russian army, as it opens up opportunities to advance to Kostiantynivka and other areas. 

Robotyne

During this week, the Russian forces tried to conduct counterattacks around Robotyne, from the west and east. But there were also counterattacks from the Ukrainian side. So the defense line around this settlement remains strong. The frontline remains under the control of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Russia will try to launch flanking attacks, but this tactic has not been successful for a long time.

Ukrainian Air Force shot down 15 Russian aircraft

This week was indicative in the fight of the Ukrainian Air Force against Russia. After the destruction of the second Russian A-50 aircraft, Russia's targeting ability using its bombers worsened. This influenced the effectiveness of the use of Russian aircraft. The A-50 was shot down at a considerable distance, probably with the use of a long-range Ukrainian air defense system.  A total of 15 aircraft were shot down, including A-50s, Su-34s, and Su-35s. The downed aircraft significantly affected Russia's ability to conduct combat operations.

Russia is now afraid to resume flying aircraft in areas it previously considered safe. Commander of the Ukrainian Air Force Mykola Oleshchuk said that Ukrainian systems were used to target the adversary at a distance of 150 kilometers. That is, control and influence on the adversary using air defense systems is being performed.

Ammunition for Ukraine

For some time, Ukraine had a significant shortage of ammunition, using up to 3,000 rounds per day. This is the minimum amount for defense operations. Recently, in many areas, units using artillery have much more ammunition. This is probably the first significant step to improve the situation along the entire front line. We hope this will be done systematically.

France has supported the decision to use the European Peace Fund, which was created to purchase ammunition, to buy ammunition outside the EU. Previously, France was against this. Today, French President Emmanuel Macron is demonstrating many changes in his approach. 

France, Germany, and Italy are now negotiating with Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia to return the ammunition that was supplied to them. They demand that the munitions be transferred to Ukraine. Today, the French Defense Minister said that at least three companies will deploy their capacities in Ukraine. These include unmanned aerial vehicles, armor repair, and possibly ammunition production. This indicates a change in the French side's approach. It is becoming more active in the context of strengthening Ukraine's defense capabilities.