Russia stated on Sunday that its fighters had moved into more advantageous positions near Ukraine’s Avdiivka and Donetsk. This comes as the two-year Ukraine-Russia war approaches an end, and Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered the military to go further into Ukraine.
Better positions
According to a Russian defense military report, its troops pushed back Ukrainian forces in Klishchiivka, Dyliivka, and Kurdiumivka, all settlements south of Bakhmut.
“In the Donetsk direction, units of the Southern grouping of troops improved the situation along the front line and defeated formations of the 22nd, 28th, and 92nd mechanized brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the areas of the settlements of Klishchiivka, Dyliivka, and Kurdiumivka.”
It further stated that the country’s military had taken better positions near Avdiivka.
“In the Avdiivka direction, units of the Centre group of forces occupied more advantageous lines and positions, and also defeated manpower and equipment of the 3rd Assault Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the 107th Air Defence Brigade.”
According to the ministry, Russian forces successfully withstood seven Ukrainian counterattacks in the area. 77 drones from Kyiv were destroyed in the process, according to the report.
Ukraine’s Report
In contrast, Ukraine’s report made no mention of Russia’s gains in the Donetsk region. However, it did report clashes near Avdiivka, which was purportedly taken by Russian forces last week.
In its evening report, the General Staff of Ukraine’s Armed soldiers stated that the embattled nation’s soldiers had repelled 18 strikes near Avdiivka. According to Reuters, five Russian attacks around Bakhmut, including Klishchiivka and Kurdiumivka, were thwarted.
Just last Tuesday, Putin vowed Russian forces would advance further into Ukraine to build on their gains since the fall of Avdiivka — Moscow’s biggest gain in recent days — where he said Ukrainian troops had fled in chaos.