Russian occupation forces have temporarily reduced the intensity of attacks near Avdiivka, Donetsk region, but Ukraine's defenders expect the fighting to intensify again soon. Our soldiers are courageously defending themselves and inflicting losses on the enemy - one of the enemy brigades is "already over".

Andriy Serhan, a UAV platoon commander of the 59th Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, spoke about the situation in this area of the frontline. He gave a commentary on Radio Liberty on the morning of October 16 (to watch the video, scroll to the bottom of the page).

According to the soldier, the statements that the "temperature has dropped" and the occupiers are not attacking as actively are true. But, he emphasized, in any case, this is a temporary situation. The invaders retreated "like a wave". "And then this wave can cover us again. That's why we are preparing," said the country's defender.

"They [the Russian Armed Forces] have already run out of one of the brigades. Now another brigade has arrived. These are regular Russian military, so we are expecting a new powerful "wave". But at the same time, we are preparing to give a worthy rebuff," Serhan said.

When the presenter asked about the purpose of the occupiers' assault in the area of Avdiivka, the serviceman emphasized that the main goal of the enemy is to capture our country completely.

"We need our people in the rear to prepare and put the economy and everything on a military track. Because now there are not enough drones, not enough means, not enough methods to avoid losing people," Serhan said. He stated that the best option for us is to fight from a distance.

Serhan added that there are civilians left in Avdiivka, including the elderly or those who find it difficult to leave on their own. The UAV platoon commander believes that they need to be evacuated in an organized manner so that citizens do not remain under occupation in case the city is lost.

As OBOZ.UA previously reported, the Institute for the Study of War previously stated that the Russian army continues offensive operations in the Avdiivka sector, but is not succeeding. Significant enemy losses in equipment and manpower have led to a likely slowdown in Russian operations in the area.

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