Ukrainian Army: We Are Repelling Russian Attacks, But the Situation Is Difficult

Ukrainian army commander Oleksandr Syrskyi stated today, Thursday, that "Ukrainian forces are pushing Russian troops away from the village of Orlivka, west of Avdiivka, but the situation on the eastern front remains difficult." Syrskyi reported via Telegram that "the enemy continues its offensive operations in several areas along the frontline, with the situation particularly tense in the Avdiivka and Zaporizhzhia sectors." He noted, after visiting troops on the eastern front, that some commanders revealed shortcomings in "their understanding of the situation and assessment of the enemy," which directly affected the sustainability of the defense in certain areas. Syrskyi continued: "All measures have been taken to correct the situation on the ground, with additional ammunition and material resources allocated, along with necessary reserves." Orlivka is located less than two kilometers northwest of Lastochkine, which Russian forces recently captured. Ukrainian authorities acknowledge that Russian forces gained control of the strategic city of Avdiivka in eastern Ukraine last week following months of attack, and that they are also pressing on several other areas along the frontline. The Ukrainian army announced this week that it had withdrawn from two more villages near Avdiivka, losing more territory amid a lack of support from its Western allies.