Ukraine withdraws troops from front-line city Avdiivka to safeguard soldiers, says Zelensky
He made this remark while attending the Munich Security Conference.
"Our top priority is to protect our servicemen and our citizens," Zelensky asserted on Saturday while in Munich.
In addition, he mentioned that while weaponry support is essential, the primary asset of an army is the soldier himself.
On the night between Friday and Saturday, the Ukrainian army command verified the redeployment of defending forces from Avdiivka.
"This is about relocating to new positions, not covering vast distances. And it doesn't imply Russia gains any territory," Zelensky added, reminding that the Russians have been attacking Avdiivka since August and have suffered massive casualties.
Gen. Tarnavskyi confirms withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from Avdiivka
"Ukrainian soldiers have withdrawn from Avdiivka," stated General Aleksandr Tarnavskyi, commander of the Tauryda formation, on Telegram between Friday and Saturday night.
"In line with orders, we left Avdiivka relocating to pre-prepared postions," he added.
Before this, the commander of the Ukrainian armed forces, Gen. Aleksandr Syrsky, notified the public about the pull-back of troops from the heavily besieged city.
"Under situations where the enemy does not hesitate to march over the corpses of their soldiers and constantly pounds us with ten shells to every one of ours, it was the only sensible decision," wrote Tarnavskyi. He further noted that we ensured Russian forces did not completely encircle Avdiivka.
