Tarnavskyi: Some Ukrainian soldiers were captured during the withdrawal from Avdiivka

This was reported by the commander of the Tavria Operational and Strategic Group of troops Oleksandr Tarnavskyi.

According to him, the withdrawal of personnel from Avdiivka was carried out in accordance with the plan developed taking into account various scenarios and possible changes in the operational situation.

“Nevertheless, at the final stage of the operation, under the pressure of the enemy's superior forces, several Ukrainian servicemen were captured,” added Tarnavskyi.

The commander emphasized that Ukrainian institutions will appeal to international humanitarian organizations of intermediary countries to ensure humane treatment of prisoners of war by the enemy, in accordance with the norms of International Humanitarian Law, and to return the military to Ukraine.

Situation in the sector 

Over the past day, February 16, Ukrainian troops repelled 38 enemy attacks in the Avdiivka sector near Avdiivka, Lastochkyne, west of Berdychiv and another 5 attacks near Pervomaiske and Nevelske.

Currently, the defenders are holding positions on the second line of defense.

Total Russian losses in manpower in the entire operational area of the Tavria Joint Forces Operation over the past day amounted to 609 soldiers, and 21 units of weapons and military equipment, including

• 2 tanks;
• 11 armored combat vehicles;
• 4 artillery systems;
• 1 anti-tank missile system;
• 3 vehicles.

The Defense Forces also destroyed two other important enemy targets and neutralized or destroyed 230 drones of various types.

Withdrawal from Avdiivka

On the night of February 17, Ukrainian Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said that he had decided to withdraw the units from Avdiivka, Donetsk region, to avoid encirclement and save the lives and health of the military personnel.

The commander of the Tavria Operational and Strategic Grouping, Oleksandr Tarnavskyi, said that the military withdrew from Avdiivka to previously prepared positions.

During one of the retreats to more favorable positions, several Ukrainian soldiers were captured.

A few days earlier, on February 13, the 110th Separate Mechanized Brigade announced that for the first time in almost two years, some of its units would be withdrawn from Avdiivka for rest and rotation, as the brigade no longer had sufficient capabilities to hold the city. Instead, the 3rd Separate Assault Brigade was urgently redeployed to the Avdiivka area.

The 3rd Separate Assault Brigade noted that the ratio of forces in the Avdiivka area was one to seven. In one area in Avdiivka, Russian troops were advancing from all sides, 360 degrees. Soldiers from the 3rd separate assault brigade were breaking through this ring.