Russia poised to extend control beyond Avdiivka in upcoming weeks, warns British intelligence

The British Ministry of Defenсe suggested it in their report.

As outlined in a recent report by the Ministry of Defense of Great Britain, Russian troops gained control of Avdiivka and the adjacent coke-chemical plant last week. Avdiivka has been a focal point of intense conflict since October 2023 and has remained on the front lines since 2014.

British intelligence reports indicate that Ukrainian forces have repositioned to defensive positions west of Avdiivka.

Analysts propose that Russian forces, having captured Avdiivka, may require a period of rest and redeployment before exploiting the situation due to their potential lack of immediate combat capability.

"In coming weeks Russia will likely seek to gradually extend its territorial control beyond Avdiivka," emphasizes the British Ministry of Defense.

• To prevent encirclement and minimize casualties, the Defense Forces' military command decided on February 17 to withdraw units from Avdiivka and establish defensive positions on more advantageous lines. 
• Ukrainian Minister of Defenсe, Rustem Umerov, affirmed the correctness of the decision, emphasizing the need for specific types of weapons and equipment for Ukrainian fighters.
• Dmytro Lykhoviy, spokesperson for the joint press center of the Defense Forces in the Tavria direction, reported ongoing hostilities to the west of Avdiivka.
• On February 20, an Institute for the Study of War (ISW) report highlighted a significant reduction in the pace of Russian offensive operations near Avdiivka after the city's capture. The occupiers now face a choice between operational pause or reinforcement transfer from other front areas.