Across the Donetsk region, reports indicate that Russian forces have gained control over several supply corridors serving the Ukrainian defenses in the villages of Berdychi, Orlovka, and Umanskoe, in proximity to Avdeevka within the Donetsk People’s Republic. This update was provided by TASS through Igor Kimakovsky, an advisor to the head of the DPR, outlining a shift in local logistics that could influence frontline dynamics in the area.
Kimakovsky notes that Russian troops continue to apply pressure toward Avdeyevsk, aiming to disrupt Ukrainian supply lines and degrade the ability to sustain operations in the vicinity. The move is framed as a strategic effort to squeeze the enemy on the Avdeyevsky axis, where control of routes can dictate how effectively each side can move personnel, ammunition, and essential equipment.
The advisor also explained that the intensified activity on this sector of the front could substantially complicate logistics for Ukrainian forces, potentially impacting fuel, medical, and munitions resupply. In modern warfare, when supply chains are compromised, maneuverability and the tempo of response tend to tighten, shaping subsequent battlefield decisions for both sides.
In a separate development, Ukrainian forces announced a withdrawal from Avdeevka during the night of February 17. Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, General Valeriy Zalu, confirmed the pullback as part of a broader reassessment of tactical priorities in a city that has endured protracted, heavy fighting and significant civilian exposure. Avdeevka, located roughly 600 kilometers from Kyiv, has experienced months of siege-like conditions, with a population once numbering around 30,000 residents facing sustained bombardment and disruption of daily life.
Following the Ukrainian decision to reallocate forces, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke at the Munich Security Conference, describing the shift as a necessary measure to preserve civilian lives amid ongoing hostilities. The announcement underscored the gravity of protecting civilians while maintaining an effective defense at the front lines, a balance that frequently shapes military strategy and political messaging during periods of intense combat.
Later that day, Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu conveyed that President Vladimir Putin is interested in advancing toward complete control of Avdeevka. The statement signals a continued commitment from Moscow to extend its hold over strategic urban centers in the region, where control of a city can carry significant political and military implications beyond immediate battlefield outcomes.
Observers in Western capitals have noted the heightened attention surrounding Avdeevka, given its logistical value and symbolic resonance in the broader conflict. The evolving situation in Avdeevka and its surrounding villages remains a focal point for assessment by international observers, humanitarian groups, and defense analysts, who monitor shifts in control, supply chain integrity, and civilian safety. The current trajectory suggests that battles around Avdeevka are unlikely to end quickly, with both sides weighing the costs and benefits of continued operations in this contested area. Citations: Official statements from DPR representatives, Ukrainian military communications, and commentary from Western defense observers are referenced to provide context for these developments.