Ukrainian defense status in Avdiivka direction unchanged post-withdrawal – military expert Zgurets

Serhiy Zgurets, director of Defense Express, stated that the Ukrainian forces continue to hold their defense line in the Avdiivka direction, stretching through key locations of Berdychi, Semenivka, Orlivka, Tonenke, and Pervomaiske, following the withdrawal from Avdiivka

He shared it on Espreso TV.

Zgurets explained, "Despite the enemy's attempts to apply pressure across the front, particularly in the west of Avdiivka and the Novopavlivka direction, our defense line remains relatively stable. If we analyze the map, the departure of our troops from Avdiivka has not caused significant alterations to the Berdychi - Semenivka - Orlivka - Tonenke - Pervomaiske line."

He highlighted ongoing battles, mentioning that Russian forces entered Berdychi but were repelled, and took a position in the eastern part of Orlivka, where Ukrainian troops are counteracting the occupation.

"In these key towns, where our defense line is situated, the Ukrainian army maximizes advantages es related to terrain and water obstacles to maintain effective defense. However, the enemy maintains superiority in personnel, artillery, and aviation. There's a shift in tactics, with larger assault groups and a continuous supply of enemy forces to the contact line. Despite challenges, our focus on limited artillery and FPV drones helps restrain the invader," emphasized the military analyst.

Zgurets concluded that the situation is complex but refuted Russian propaganda suggesting significant pressure on Ukrainian defense, emphasizing that the occupying forces haven't breached operational space.

• On February 29, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Oleksandr Syrskyi, outlined the main tasks in the Avdiivka and Kurakhove areas.
• On March 2, the New York Times attributed Russian troops' small but quick successes near Avdiivka to decreased Western aid and perceived weaknesses in Ukrainian defense.
• On March 3, the American Institute for the Study of War reported that Russian occupying forces are willing to risk aircraft losses to maintain a tactical advantage in the Avdiivka direction.
• Defense Forces spokesperson Dmytro Lykhovii stated that the situation is stabilizing in settlements along the Avdiivka direction's front line, with Ukrainian forces containing the enemy despite local successes by the Russian Federation.