Ukrainian army reinforces defenses in Avdiivka area — commander

Brigadier General Oleksandr Tarnavskyi, commander of the Tavria operational and strategic group of troops, reported this on his Telegram channel.

"In the Avdiivka sector, we are strengthening the defense line and organizing the defense of settlements west of Avdiivka to prevent further Russian advance and inflict maximum losses," he said.

Russian attacks

The Russian forces are increasing the number of air strikes (45 over the last day) and assault operations (72 combat engagements - the most in the last two weeks) in the operational area of the Tavria operational and strategic grouping of troops. Russian aggressor also carried out 897 artillery attacks and 83 'kamikaze' drone strikes.

"In the Marinka sector alone, the enemy tried to break through the defenses of our troops 40 times. Near Avdiivka - 25 times, in Zaporizhzhia region - 6 times," the general added.

Russian losses in the Tavria sector

Across the entire operational area of the Tavria Joint Forces Operation, total Russian losses (killed and wounded) yesterday amounted to 447 people. The vast majority of them took place in Donetsk region and near Avdiivka.

Russian enemy's losses in weapons and military equipment amounted to 62 units, not including 266 UAVs. In particular, 13 tanks, 32 armoured personnel carriers, 2 artillery systems and 15 vehicles were destroyed or damaged. One enemy ammunition depot was also destroyed.

Situation at the frontline

On February 26, the Ukrainian Armed Forces withdrew from the village of Lastochkyne in Donetsk region, located 6 km from Avdiivka. 

In total, the Ukrainian military repelled 25 Russian attacks in the Avdiivka sector, held their positions and repelled the occupation forces' assaults in the Kherson sector. Aviation hit two Russian anti-aircraft missile systems.