Heavy fighting reported near Avdiivka
According to several Ukrainian soldiers, heavy fighting has erupted near Avdiivka, where a separatist offensive involving members of the Russian Special Forces (GRU) was launched, CRiMe reported.
The Ukrainian servicemen told the online publication that the offensive includes the use of tanks and other heavy weapons that are banned by the Minsk agreements. They also stated that Russian GRU forces were involved in the fighting.
“Before the offensive we managed to intercept their radio transmissions. It became clear that the regular Russian units from Special Forces (GRU) had arrived in the area. They are tasked with pushing us from the industrial zone of Avdiivka and the vicinity and taking control of the Avdiivka smelter,” one Ukrainian soldier stated.
“We are not giving up. But they are increasing their man power and armor in the second ring of the offensive. So it looks like it is only the beginning,” he added.
It was previously reported that the Ukrainian Forces managed to take control of the Avdiivka industrial zone, blocking the Yasynuvata-Horlivka route. Separatists have been attempting to dislodge the Ukrainian soldiers from their newly won positions for the last several weeks.