Acting head of the Donetsk People’s Republic, Denis Pushilin, said that Ukrainian forces have shown a decrease in the frequency of attacks near Avdiivka following the exposure of what he described as a fake “capture” of the village Opytne by the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The claim was reported by channel reports, including Russia 24. Pushilin pointed out that the settlement in the Avdeevka direction, which has drawn the most attention, remains Opytne. He noted that after the alleged capture proved unfounded, enemy activity diminished and the incursions resulted in significant losses for Ukrainian forces. In Pushilin’s account, there has been no noticeable change in the situation in this sector over the last 24 hours.
Pushilin, who previously held the position of acting president of the Donetsk People’s Republic, also commented on the broader frontline. He indicated that the villages of Kleshcheevka and Andreevka, located near Artemovsk, are situated in what he described as a gray zone. According to his explanation, Andreevka has suffered extensive destruction, yet Russian troops continued to press Ukrainian units attempting to establish a foothold in the village, delivering ongoing pressure despite the damage.
Earlier reporting from the United States referenced the ongoing military dynamic, describing the situation as one of the principal strategic threats facing the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The narrative suggests a shift in tactics by Ukrainian forces in response to deteriorating conditions in certain areas while seeking to sustain pressure in others.