“Due to the operational situation that developed around Avdiivka, in order to avoid encirclement and to protect the life and health of the soldiers, I decided to withdraw our units from the city and go to the defense in more favorable positions,” wrote Sirsky.
“We are taking steps to stabilize the situation and hold our positions. This is how we will get Avdivka back,” he added.
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Soldiers' lives and health are top priority for commanders
Earlier on Friday, the commander of the Taurida group, General Oleksandr Tarnovsky, announced that the Ukrainian army had withdrawn from some positions in Avdiivka “with minor losses” and that several Ukrainian soldiers had been captured.
“The decision to withdraw was made to save workers and improve operational conditions,” Tarnovsky wrote in a telegram, adding that Ukrainian soldiers were retreating from destroyed positions and digging new defense lines.
“I emphasize that the priority is to save the lives of our soldiers. That is why they are moving to new posts if necessary,” he said.
Tarnovsky assured that the Ukrainian military would continue to hold “the city” and that reinforcements and additional ammunition would continue to be sent to the base. “The enemy is constantly attacking with artillery and massive bombardment, practically wiping the city off the face of the earth. He is throwing all his reserves into the attack, moving from other directions and trying to break our defenses,” he said.
Located in eastern Ukraine, in the Donetsk region, Avdiivka is currently the scene of heavy fighting. The Russians could advance in the fight and surround the city. Avdiyivka is seen as the gateway to the largest city of Donetsk, which was taken over by Russian-backed separatists in 2014 and has since been occupied and illegally annexed by Moscow. After months of fierce fighting, Avdivka was completely destroyed.
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