Ukrainian Defense Forces Left Avdiivka

Commander-in-Chief Syrsky told what would happen next.

Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrsky decided to withdraw Ukrainian units from Avdiivka, Donetsk region. Ukrainian defenders will go on the defensive in more advantageous positions.

This was reported on the official Facebook page of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on the night of Saturday, February 17. Now the military is taking measures to stabilize the situation and maintain its positions.

“Based on the operational situation that has developed around Avdiivka, in order to avoid encirclement and preserve the lives and health of military personnel, I decided to withdraw our units from the city and switch to defense on more advantageous lines,” Syrsky noted.

He emphasized that Ukrainian soldiers fulfilled their duty with dignity, did everything possible to destroy the best Russian military units and inflicted significant losses on the enemy in manpower and equipment.

“The lives of military personnel are of the highest value. We will return Avdiivka anyway,” the Commander-in-Chief added.

Commander of the operational-strategic group of troops “Tavria” Oleksandr Tarnavsky confirmed that the Defense Forces, in accordance with the received order, left Avdiivka for the previously prepared positions.

“In a situation where the enemy is advancing over the corpses of their own soldiers with a ten to one advantage in shells, under constant bombardment, this is the only correct decision,” he emphasized.

The encirclement of Ukrainian forces in Avdiivka was not allowed, the personnel were withdrawn, after which our soldiers took up defensive positions at certain lines, added Commander Tarnavsky.

Commander of the 3rd separate assault brigade, Andriy Biletsky commented on the withdrawal of our soldiers from Avdiivka. He thanked the command for the weighed decision and noted that the battle continues.

“I thank the fighters for the worthy fight they gave to the enemy in Avdiivka, in conditions of total quantitative superiority of the Russians in manpower, equipment, and shells. We did everything and even more. Thank you everyone for your resilience. We are retreating to prepared positions to return and deliver an even stronger blow,” the statement said.