Ukraine’s exit from Avdiivka will not alter frontline dynamics — military expert Hetman

He shared his opinions with Espreso TV.

"The Russian forces have resumed their offensive on Avdiivka, and this is a political goal rather than a tactical one. Analysts at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) believe that if the Ukrainian Armed Forces have to withdraw from Avdiivka, it will not significantly affect the course of events in the war, on the eastern front. Avdiivka is a springboard for a possible offensive on Donetsk," emphasized Hetman.

According to the military expert, the Ukrainian Defense Forces can control the entire city of Donetsk from Avdiivka.

"We have not been bombing Donetsk for the whole 8 years, as the Russians say. However, the enemy could not build anything military substantial there because it was under our fire control. In the case of Bakhmut and Avdiivka, if we have to withdraw, nothing will change significantly. It will be a tactical defeat, a tactical withdrawal, but it will not change anything strategically," explained Hetman.

• Ukrainian Defense forces have made progress near Bakhmut and Robotyne and are holding the line near Avdiivka, where the Russian army is conducting ineffective "meat" assaults.

• Russian troops try to regain the lost ground near Klishchiivka and surround Avdiivka, Donetsk region, but the Ukrainian Armed Forces repelled the attacks and eliminated another 870 Russian soldiers.