According to the Ukrainian commander, Russia has deployed four brigades comprising several thousand troops to advance towards the towns of Kurakhovo and Pokrovsk. These towns are located west of Avdiivka in the eastern Donetsk region.
According to the statement, the enemy managed to achieve some tactical victories, but they were unable to gain any operational advantages. The Ukrainian troops, on the other hand, have been successful in causing significant losses to the enemy in terms of personnel and military equipment. To strengthen the defense in these areas and replace the units that have suffered losses, the brigades that have regained their combat capability are being relocated.
According to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), Ukrainian troops have pulled back to the west of Avdiivka. However, the report clarifies that this retreat does not contribute to immediate tactical gains for the Russian forces.
According to the ISW, it is unlikely that Russian forces will achieve a significant advancement in the near future. However, they may continue to make tactical gains in the Avdiivka direction in the coming weeks. If Russian forces pose a threat to other Ukrainian tactical positions in the area, Ukrainian commanders might consider conducting additional withdrawals.
According to Russian military blogger Rybar, Moscow has been making significant progress in the western region of Avdiivka. He claims that the troops have been steadily building on their success, advancing beyond the city and towards various other cities and towns.
Russian forces are currently advancing in various directions with the objective of gaining control over the remaining parts of the eastern Luhansk region, which they already have a significant presence in. Additionally, they are also moving towards the city of Kupiansk in the neighboring Kharkiv region.
According to Syrskyi, Russia is actively working towards capturing the major cities of Kramatorsk and Sloviansk. These cities have long been coveted by Moscow, as their capture would significantly expand Russia’s influence and control over the Donetsk region.
Ukrainian troops successfully halted the progression of Russian forces towards the city of Siversk en route to Sloviansk. Currently, there is fierce combat taking place in the city of Chasiv Yar as they defend their position against the enemy. According to Syrskyi, the situation remains intense.
Kyiv has been eagerly awaiting additional aid from Washington for months. Fortunately, the long-awaited package was finally approved last week, and the Pentagon has also announced that more assistance is on its way. However, despite these positive developments, it will still take several days before the much-needed weapons can arrive on the battlefield.
Russia has been taking a more assertive approach this spring, partly in response to the delayed U.S. aid to Ukrainian defenders, but also in anticipation of Victory Day on May 9. This significant holiday for Russians commemorates the victory over Nazi Germany in World War II.