Brigadier General, Commander of the Tavriya Operational and Strategic Group of Troops Oleksandr Tarnavskyy reported on the situation in Avdiyivka as of 15:00 on 16 February 2024.
"Avdiyivka direction in Donetsk Region is the hottest area along the entire length of the Russian-Ukrainian frontline. Fierce fighting continues within the city of Avdiyivka. The enemy is launching massive bombing attacks around-the-clock, and continues to attack from several directions simultaneously. Our troops are using all available means to deter the enemy. Planned reinforcement of units is underway," the general said.
He noted that raid and strike operations are being conducted in the area of Avdiyivka to expand logistics corridors.
"Logistics is working. On the instructions of the Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, the defenders of Avdiyivka are being supplied with increased volumes of ammunition and other munitions. Stable command of the troops is ensured," the general said.
As of 13:00, there are no blocked Ukrainian units in Avdiyivka. In a difficult situation on the battlefield, when only ruins and a pile of broken bricks remain of the fortifications, our priority is to save the lives of our soldiers. Thus, Ukrainian units withdrew from their positions on the southern outskirts of Avdiyivka with minor losses. In other threatened areas, if necessary, troops are also manoeuvring to new prepared positions to continue to destroy the Russian occupiers and hold the city.
As a result, Russian army suffers huge losses in manpower. Over the course of 15 February, Russian losses in the entire operational area of the Tavriya Joint Forces Operation Centre amounted to 711 people, the highest number of casualties this year. The lion's share of this number is the result of the combat work of our troops destroying the invader in the Avdiyivka sector. Up to five hundred Russians were killed in just one day.
In an attempt to gain an advantage on the battlefield, Russians used insidious tactics in the area of the Avdiyivka Coke Plant: as a result of shelling, they set fire to a tank with fuel oil and started a fire in a bitumen storage facility. Under the cover of thick smoke, Russians are trying to attack the positions of Ukrainian defenders.
Earlier, Tarnavsky said that the command had decided to retreat from the Zenit position on the southeastern outskirts of Avdiyivka. The decision to withdraw was made to save personnel and improve the operational situation.