Ukrainian troops have withdrawn from Avdiivka, Donetsk region, to avoid encirclement and to preserve the lives and health of the servicemen.
This was reported by the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrskyi.
"Given the operational situation that has developed around Avdiivka, with the aim of avoiding encirclement and preserving the lives and health of the servicemen, I have made the decision to withdraw our units from the city and transition to defense on more advantageous positions," said Syrskyi.
According to him, Ukrainian soldiers have performed their military duty honorably, doing everything possible to destroy the best Russian military units and inflict significant losses on the enemy in personnel and equipment.
"We are taking measures to stabilize the situation and maintain the positions we hold. The lives of servicemen are the highest value. We will reclaim Avdiivka nonetheless," he added.
Commander of the operational-strategic grouping of forces "Tavria," Oleksandr Tarnavskyi, noted that in accordance with the received orders, the troops have left Avdiivka for pre-prepared positions.
"In a situation where the enemy advances over the bodies of their own soldiers with a ratio of ten to one in terms of artillery bombardments, the only correct decision is to withdraw under constant shelling," he stated.
According to him, encirclement has been avoided, personnel have been withdrawn, and Ukrainian soldiers have taken up defensive positions at designated lines.
