Syrskyi says reserves called in to defend Avdiivka and Kupiansk

Syrskyi says reserves called in to defend Avdiivka and Kupiansk (facebook.com/CinCAFofUkraine)

Reserves are being deployed for the defense of Avdiivka and Kupiansk. Additionally, there will be troop and force redeployment along these fronts to halt enemy advances, according to Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrskyi.

The decision was made following a visit of the new Commander-in-Chief and Minister of Defense, Rustem Umerov, to the Avdiivka and Kupiansk fronts.

Syrskyi noted that troop redeployment and reserves would be used to diminish the offensive capabilities of the occupiers.

“As a result of our assessments, operational decisions have been made on the deployment of reserves, combat systems, fire support, and troop and force redeployment on these fronts, as well as the containment of enemy forces to reduce their offensive potential,” he stated.

Syrskyi also discussed combat support issues with unit commanders.

“In light of the rapidly changing battlefield conditions, I have delegated authority to commanders to independently make necessary urgent decisions to safeguard the lives of personnel,” Syrskyi added.

He points out that the occupiers are intensifying their efforts on the Avdiivka and Kupiansk fronts, launching dozens and hundreds of soldiers for “meat grinder” assaults and shelling frontline territories. Meanwhile, defensive forces are inflicting losses on the enemy. Just on the Avdiivka front over the past day, Ukrainian defenders repelled 29 attacks by Russian occupiers.

Yesterday, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Syrskyi and Umerov had headed to the frontlines to assess the situation in the areas of Avdiivka, Kupiansk, and Luhansk.

Photo: Syrskyi and Umerov the frontlines (facebook.com/CinCAFofUkraine)

Photo: Syrskyi and Umyerov visited the front (facebook.com/CinCAFofUkraine)

Battles for Avdiivka

Avdiivka is often referred to as the “gateway to Donetsk,” and since the fall of 2023, Russian aggressors have been attempting to seize the city. According to Ukrainian military sources, Russians have suffered tens of thousands of casualties in battles for Avdiivka.

Currently, the aggressors are managing to encroach upon the outskirts of Avdiivka. Another stronghold of defense remains the coking plant.

Vitalii Barabash, the head of the Avdiivka Military Civil Administration, notes that the occupying forces are located in the city’s private sector, but the situation hasn’t reached a point of no return yet.

The Ukrainian Armed Forces believe that if the occupying forces reach the supply artery in Avdiivka, it will complicate the logistics for Ukrainian troops.

To learn more about how the battles for the city may unfold and whether there is a threat of encirclement, read RBC-Ukraine’s report.