The situation in the eastern Ukrainian city of Avdiyivka, which has been the target of a large-scale Russian offensive for several months, is “critical in places” and “very difficult, very tense” after weeks in which it was only “very difficult”. “, – the mayor of the city, Vitaly Barabash, told television captured by AFP on Tuesday, Agerpres quoted.

He explained that groups of saboteurs and Russian spies infiltrate the settlement, causing isolated clashes on the streets with the Ukrainian army.

“This does not mean that all is lost,” the mayor added, stating that the Russian army “is directing very large forces at our city.”

According to Barabash, 945 civilians still remain in Avdiivka, despite the fighting and destruction; On Tuesday alone, 50 large shells fell.

The DeepState Telegram channel, which is close to the Ukrainian army and is followed by more than 600,000 users of the corresponding social network, reported a “very difficult” day in the north of the city, where “the situation continues to deteriorate.” “Battles continue at most positions. In some places the enemy managed to advance, and in some places the defense forces managed to repulse the attacks,” the source said.

The Russians are trying to surround Avdiivka, where the Ukrainians have retreated to fortified positions. Ukrainian journalist Yurii Butusov, who often publishes news from the front, said on Telegram on Tuesday that the city’s defenders are “fighting desperately” in conditions where “they literally lack everything.”

After the failure of the Ukrainian counteroffensive last summer, Avdiyivka remains one of the hottest spots on the front.