Alexander Kovalenko: For Russians, the occupation of Avdiivka will have purely symbolic significance

Avdiivka in Donetsk region serves as a convenient launchpad for various actions aimed at liberating the temporarily occupied Donetsk. However, there won't be any such operation in the near future, as noted by Alexander Kovalenko, a military and political analyst from the 'Information Resistance' group.

As the expert pointed out in an interview on the FREEДОМ channel, the city currently lacks tactical significance, and its occupation by the Russians would hold purely symbolic value.

"Speaking about the tactical significance of Avdiivka for Russian occupiers would only be relevant if there were a real threat to them from an offensive operation by the Ukrainian Armed Forces towards Donetsk. If we consider such a scenario, then yes, Avdiivka is indeed a quite convenient and effective springboard for carrying out actions to liberate Donetsk. That is true. On the other hand, we understand very well, and the Russian command also understands, that there is no talk of any operation to liberate Donetsk, and there won't be any such operation at least until 2024, and possibly even in 2025. So, for them, there is no real threat from the city, except perhaps the opportunity to strike with artillery in the vicinity of Donetsk at locations that are nearby. Therefore, there is no tactical significance at the moment," he explained.

At the same time, the Russians are trying to justify their assaults on Avdiivka by claiming that the occupation of the city will supposedly allow them to reach the Dnieper River. However, the expert pointed out that the distance from Avdiivka to the Dnipro, if one looks through Pokrovsk, is almost 200 kilometers.

"From Donetsk to Avdiivka is on average 5 kilometers, which they have been advancing for almost 9 years since 2014. One can imagine how such an explanation aligns with their capabilities to conduct such an offensive operation towards the Dnipro. But overall, this is a political move aimed at demonstrating that the Russian army can advance and seize territory. The means and resources they have for such an operation are another question," emphasized Kovalenko.