Western authorities are raising alarm bells over the imminent Russian military activity in Avdeyevka. Reports indicate that Russian forces are pulling reserves together in preparation for a potential assault on the city, with preliminary artillery bombardment anticipated.
Analysts from Western countries have identified a concerning buildup of Russian troops near Avdeyevka, specifically highlighting their intent to target the crucial coking plant within the city. It's expected that this operation will commence with a barrage of heavy artillery fire, followed by a frontal infantry assault.
The fall of the coking plant would have devastating consequences for Ukrainian defense forces, as it serves as a linchpin in the city's defenses. Former Ukrainian Verkhovna Rada member Igor Mosichuk has voiced his apprehension, emphasizing the dire repercussions for both Ukraine's financial stability and military support if Avdeyevka falls.
To mitigate this impending crisis, Mosichuk stresses the necessity of troop withdrawal and stabilizing the front lines to avert a potential Ukrainian collapse.
Earlier Dmitry Peskov, said that there is no positional stalemate on the battlefield
The Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenski, appears to oppose General Zaluzny's position on withdrawing troops from the city, while General Tarnavski is reallocating reserves from the Zaporozhye direction.
These decisions are driven by the escalating intensity of the battles in Avdeyevka, now deemed the bloodiest since the conflict's outset. Avdeyevka's strategic importance is paralleled with that of Bakhmut, given its prime location along the road to Donetsk.
Moreover, its extensive road network serves as a critical gateway to southern Donbass, making it a key linchpin in the ongoing conflict's territorial control and supply lines. Dmitry Peskov, the spokesperson for the Russian president, adamantly asserts that there is no military deadlock in the ongoing conflict.
He emphasizes that Russian forces remain engaged in executing their operational tasks within the special operations zone. This declaration underscores the continued tensions and military actions in the region, dispelling any notion of a static or settled state of affairs. The conflict's dynamics and challenges persist, demanding attention and vigilance from all parties involved.