Avdiivka under attack by well-trained Russian units, including Special Forces
On the Avdiivka front, the Ukrainian Defense Forces are currently engaged in opposition against Russian Special Forces and paratroopers. In recent days, there has been an escalation with Russia deploying additional armored vehicles for the offensive, indicating a shift in tactics.
According to Dmytro Lykhovii, the spokesman of the Tavria Defence Forces, the Ukrainian military is aware of the enemy's intentions, particularly in their efforts to advance and cut off the logistics supply route, primarily in Avdiivka. This move is aimed at establishing some form of operational environment, prompting countermeasures and resulting in clashes. The dynamics of the firing line are not limited to a single direction.
Lykhovii highlighted a recent development in the enemy's strategy, mentioning the deployment of armored vehicles in offensive operations, including tanks and infantry fighting vehicles. This marks a departure from previous tactics that involved smaller infantry groups. The adversaries primarily consist of regular Russian units, which vary from well-trained Special Forces to paratroopers and ordinary motorized rifle battalions. The situation on the Avdiivka front remains dynamic and complex.
Russians are insidiously changing their tactics in bombarding Mykolaiv
Last week, the Russian army escalated its bombardment of the city of Mykolaiv, adopting more intense and insidious tactics. Vitalii Kim, Head of the Mykolaiv Oblast Military Administration, reported during a briefing on February 12 that the Russian military has altered its approach, employing tactics that include launching groups of drones multiple times with short intervals. This change in strategy is not only intended to cause greater destruction but also to pose a threat to rescue workers responding to the strike sites.
Kim emphasized that similar tactics have been observed in other oblasts, but in this instance, the Ukrainian side managed to decipher the intentions of the Russian forces, thereby preventing further casualties. Despite these efforts, two individuals were injured, and an infrastructure facility suffered fire damage. The city of Mykolaiv has been subjected to significant destruction, with an incident on February 7 involving a X-22 missile targeting a residential sector. This attack resulted in one fatality, several injuries, damage to approximately 70 houses, the destruction of three homes, and severe damage to six more. Additionally, an industrial facility, as well as gas and electricity networks, were affected. Subsequent drone attacks on the city center caused damage to a sports facility, a new building, and numerous residential buildings. The situation in Mykolaiv remains highly challenging, with ongoing threats and impacts on both infrastructure and civilians.
IMF delegation arrived in Kyiv for talks with Ukrainian officials
A delegation from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has arrived in Kyiv for discussions with Ukrainian authorities and other stakeholders to enhance Ukraine's financial capabilities. Led by Uma Ramakrishnan, the deputy director of the Fund's European Department, the IMF team will initiate talks focusing on Ukraine's economic objectives and the challenges it faces. The discussions will also include participation in the inaugural meeting of the Steering Committee of the IMF's Ukraine Capacity Development Fund (UCDF) on February 13. Subsequent policy talks between an IMF mission, led by Gavin Gray, and Ukrainian authorities on the third review of the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) Arrangement are scheduled to take place in Warsaw starting February 17. The EFF, a four-year funding agreement, enables Ukraine to access $15.6 billion in financial aid to support stability, postwar recovery, and economic growth on the path to EU membership. The ongoing discussions signify the IMF's commitment to assisting Ukraine in navigating economic challenges amidst the backdrop of conflict.
Ukrainian defenders destroy 14 Russian Shahed drones and X-59 missile at night
Ukrainian defenders successfully neutralized 14 out of 17 Shahed drones launched by the Russian forces, along with a Kh-59 guided air missile, during the night of February 11-12. According to Ukraine's Air Force, the enemy deployed 17 Shahed-136/131 attack UAVs from Russia's Primorsko-Akhtarsk, a X-59 guided air missile from the temporarily occupied territories of Zaporizhzhia Oblast, and S-300 anti-aircraft guided missiles from Belgorod Oblast. Mobile fire groups of the Air Force and other Defense Forces were engaged in repelling the air attack, resulting in the destruction of 14 Shahed drones and the X-59 missile across Khmelnytskyi, Vinnytsia, Kirovohrad, Mykolaiv, Dnipropetrovsk, and Zaporizhzhia oblasts.
The successful defense showcases Ukraine's ongoing efforts to counter aerial threats in various regions.