After almost 10 years of defense, Ukrainian troops left the Zenit position near Avdiivka

After many months of fighting, the Tavria operational-strategic group Command decided to withdraw from the Zenit position.

This was announced by Brigadier General Oleksandr Tarnavskyi, Commander of OSG Tavria.

It is reported that the decision to withdraw was made in order to saving personnel and improve the operational situation.

The Commander emphasizes that taking these positions does not provide the enemy with a strategic advantage and does not change the situation within the Avdiivka defense operation.

Currently, the regrouping of troops, replenishment of supplies and the arrangement of units in new positions continues. Planned strengthening of units occurs.

“I understand in detail what is happening, in contact with our military leadership, I will not say what new approaches they are taking. Their task is to do everything to protect our man first. This is the main signal from me, our military is the most important thing that we have, and this is our most important weapon,” President Volodymyr Zelenskyi commented on the withdrawal of troops from Avdiivka.

Position Zenit

Zenith (Kater) is a legendary position near Avdiivka, which held the defense for almost 10 years.

The position is a former A1428 military unit of the Air Force, which at different times was home base of 508th and 156th Anti-Aircraft Missile Regiments.

On the territory of Zenit there are typical positions for launchers of air defense systems, underground communications and a network of buildings.

The position played an important role in the defense of the Donetsk airport and in the battles for the Butivka mine. Despite the attempt of the militants of the “DPR`s” 1st Army Corps to seize the position, its defenders remained steadfast until today.

Developments in Avdiivka

Militarnyi previously reported that the 3rd Assault Brigade was redeployed to Avdiivka to strengthen the Ukrainian group.

Separate battalions of the 3rd Assault Brigade raided the areas of Avdiivka captured by the enemy. The enemy’s forces on the brigade`s response aria are approximately 7 brigades.

It was also reported that the captured Russian said that they had managed to make a sortie to the rear of units of Armed Forces of Ukraine near Avdiivka.

According to Russian POW, they used a water pipe to get to the rear of Ukrainian units. This required serious engineering preparation.

In particular, the Russian military set up an entrance from the detached house suburbs, from where they went underground to the pipe.