According to the unit’s press release, the 3rd Airborne Assault Brigade of Ukraine, whose soldiers were recently transferred to Avdiivka, actually “destroyed” the Russian 74th and 114th brigades. The 3rd Airborne Assault Brigade is facing about 15,000 Russian troops on its section of the front, the unit reported on social networks on February 16, reports Independent Kyiv.

During the hostilities, the brigade actually “destroyed” separate Russian 74th and 114th brigades. Estimated losses of the Russians amount to 4,200 killed and wounded soldiers, according to the report of the unit.

Avdiyivka, a front-line town just kilometers from occupied Donetsk, has been under intense Russian attack since October 2023 as Moscow forces seek to encircle and capture the city. Recent reports indicate that the situation in the sector is deteriorating.

On February 15, the 3rd Airborne Assault Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces confirmed that it was “urgently” redeployed to Avdiivka, as the situation is becoming “extremely critical”.

According to the report of the 3rd Assault Brigade, the 30th Separate Brigade of the Russian Federation also suffered significant losses.

Despite the fact that Russian forces have suffered excessive losses, the situation remains “extremely difficult”, the Ukrainian brigade said.

“Special operations are being carried out by the GRU, in particular night shelling using night vision devices, diversionary aviation and artillery shelling,” the 3rd Airborne Assault Brigade reported.

Earlier on February 16, General Oleksandr Tarnavskyi said that “the situation in Avdiivka is difficult, but under control. Fierce battles are taking place inside the city.”

A brigade of battle-hardened warriors was thrown in

Ukraine urgently sent reserve fighters of the 3rd Airborne Assault Brigade, staffed with hardened fighters, to Avdiivka.

The 3rd Airborne Assault Brigade, which is one of Ukraine’s most famous combat groups, stressed on Thursday that the situation in Avdiivka is “hellish”, “dangerous and unstable” and that it was sent to strengthen the positions. there.

Last summer, the brigade took part in a counteroffensive in eastern Ukraine and fought for Bakhmut, another eastern Ukrainian city that resisted Russian forces for several months before being captured last May.

“The enemy continues active rotation of his troops (in the Avdiyivka region) and deploys new forces and means in the city. The situation at the time of the involvement of the brigade was extremely critical,” the brigade’s Telegram message reads.

Russian troops have been trying to capture Avdiivka since October and have surrounded it on three sides, leaving only a few supply routes for Ukrainian troops.

The 3rd Airborne Assault Brigade announced yesterday that it raided Russian forces in the Avdiivka area and inflicted heavy losses on them.

The increasingly difficult situation for Ukrainian forces in Avdiivka has fueled speculation that Russia hopes to capture the city before next month’s presidential election to give Putin an electoral boost.