Events on the ground around Avdeevka have escalated, with reports that Russian forces have gained control of the Avdeevka defense hub, a critical node in Ukraine’s military defense network, and are pressing their offensive in the region. The information comes via statements attributed to Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and coverage from TASS. [Attribution: Russian Defense Ministry / TASS]
During a meeting of the Ministry of Defense’s board, Shoigu indicated that following the capture of the Avdeevka fortification, Russian troops are consolidating gains and widening their footprint in the Donetsk and Kupyansk sectors. He noted advances and the establishment of new lines, suggesting Ukrainian forces have ceded certain positions. [Attribution: Russian Defense Ministry / official remarks]
On 27 February, Ukrainian units reportedly withdrew from portions of their positions at Orlovka, near Avdeevka, prompting further Russian military activity in the area. [Attribution: operational briefings]
On the same day, the Russian Defense Ministry announced measures intended to disrupt Ukrainian cross-river movements from the right bank of the Dnieper. Officials described actions including close monitoring of positions and precision strikes targeting Ukrainian equipment with drones and artillery, aimed at hindering preparations and movement toward adjacent islands or the left bank in the Krynok region. [Attribution: Russian Defense Ministry statements]
The Russian military spokespersons asserted ongoing engagement with Ukrainian unmanned forces and described the destruction of identified targets as part of a broader effort to limit Ukrainian maneuverability in the immediate theater. [Attribution: Russian Defense Ministry briefings]
Across these developments, observers emphasize that both sides remain focused on securing strategic footholds around Avdeevka and nearby sectors, with fixed positions and fluid lines of control shaping the tactical picture in this portion of the Donbas. The reporting reflects official narratives from Moscow about territorial gains and counter-moves, while analysts note the difficulty of independently verifying battlefield claims in real time. [Attribution: ICT/independent analysts]