"Situation is tougher than in Bakhmut": 3rd Brigade says Russia is using phosphorus in Avdiivka

The press officer of the 3rd Brigade, Oleksandr Borodin, shared the information on the United News telethon.

According to him, the situation in Avdiivka is very difficult and critical, Russia is putting pressure on the city.

"The enemy starts using phosphorus. The deployment of guided aerial bombs has escalated, it’s a greater threat than artillery. These include bombs weighing 250 kg and half a ton. The onslaught involves 50 or more such bombs per day. This is a significant volume for the limited foothold that is currently being defended," said the press officer.

In addition, according to Borodin, the situation in Avdiivka is more complicated than at the critical moment in Bakhmut: "The enemy has a huge number of guided bombs and equipment.  Wagner mercenaries were taking care of their equipment, they mostly relied on personnel, while here they launch tank attacks with infantry. A large number of APCs, IFVs, aircraft, FPVs. There was no such thing in Bakhmut during the Wagner period. It was difficult there, but now it is extremely difficult."

• ISW writes that Russian troops are conducting a “tactical turning movement” through Avdiivka, which may create conditions that will force the Ukrainian Defense Forces to leave their positions in the town.
• The situation in Avdiivka, Donetsk region, is "extremely critical." Soldiers of the Third Assault Brigade have been redeployed to this area.
• In his address on February 15, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy commented on the situation at the front, particularly in Avdiivka and in eastern Ukraine in general. He stressed that every effort is being made in Avdiivka to preserve as many Ukrainian lives as possible.
• The commander of the Tavria operational and strategic grouping of troops, Oleksandr Tarnavskyi, said that the defense operation in Avdiivka continues.