President Zelensky Calls Russia Loss Of Large Troops And Equipment In Avdika

President Zelensky with Ukrainian military officials. (President.gov.ua)

JAKARTA - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Tuesday the destroyed defense of Avdivka City was key to the Kyiv war plan, with heavy losses suffered by Russia there likely to weaken Moscow's actions in the conflict.

Moscow troops have focused on eastern Ukraine since failing to reach Kyiv in the first days of the February 2022 invasion. They have been attacking Avdivka since mid-October, with city officials of 32 thousand people before the war saying none of the buildings were intact in the city.

In his video address late in the evening, President Zelensky said Russia's attack on the eastern region of Donetsk, including Avdivka, was "very intense".

"Russia has lost troops and equipment near Avdivka more quickly and on a larger scale than, for example, near Bakhmut," he said, referring to months of fierce fighting culminating in Russian troops capturing the eastern part of Bakhmut City in May. November 15.

"Containing their pressure is very difficult. The more Russian troops are destroyed near Avdivka, the worse the overall situation is for the enemy and the whole way of this war," he continued.

Meanwhile, Russia's official report on fighting in the east did not mention Avdivka, although Russia's leading war blogger Rybar said there was "some progress" in positions around the city.

It is known that Bakhmut is located about 50 km (31 miles) north of Avdivka, which is only 20 km west of the Russian-controlled regional capital Donetsk.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian military spokesman Oleksandr Shtupun said the fiercest fighting took place in the south of Avdivka.

"Over the past three days, the invaders have actively used guided bombs in the Donetsk area, especially around Avdivka," Minister Shtupun told national television.