Why the Russians were able to quickly cover the distance of 5-6 km west of Avdiivka: General Romanenko's explanation

The lack of fortifications led to the fact that the Russian occupation army was able to quickly cover a distance of 5-6 kilometers west of Avdiivka. Today, the Defense Forces are creating new frontiers in difficult conditions.

This opinion was expressed in an exclusive interview with OBOZ.UA by former Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Lieutenant General Ihor Romanenko. "I am not a supporter of extreme assessments – that everything is fine with the defense lines or that everything is bad. In my opinion, both of these assessments are not true," he said.

"To the west of Avdiivka, a few kilometers away, the terrain is lower. There were no significant lines there. At a distance of 5-6 kilometers from this settlement, there was nothing to hold on to, so the Russians covered this distance on a single offensive impulse," he explained.

The general pointed out that the Russian occupation army creates fortifications using specialization. Thus, civilians were involved in the creation of the second line of defense, while the first line was created by separate units that did not take part in hostilities.

"We have a different situation. In the Avdiivka sector, where our troops have withdrawn, they are now digging and defending themselves. And, of course, it is much more difficult," stated Romanenko.

"In terms of stabilizing the situation, defensive lines play a fundamental role, so we are focusing on them. The relevant work is being organized and carried out to catch up, of course, not to the extent that would satisfy us. But I cannot say that everything is completely bad either," he summarized.

As OBOZ.UA previously reported, the commander of the Land Forces, Oleksandr Pavliuk, said that the Ukrainian Defense Forces are stabilizing the front line. According to him, the Ukrainian army will soon begin preparing for a counteroffensive to seize the initiative from the enemy.