Ukraine may have deployed "one of its best brigades," the 3rd Assault Brigade, to Avdiivka. Forbes writes about this without naming sources of such information.
The publication suggests that the fresh forces will try to push the Russian army away from the main asphalt road leading to the center of Avdiivka, to Hrushevsky Street.
"The fact that Ukrainians will reinforce Avdiivka has not been decided. Obviously, by deciding to stay and fight, the Ukrainian forces are taking a huge risk. Perhaps it was not Tarnavskyi's decision," the publication writes, recalling the replacement of the chief commander last week, as well as Syrskyi's reputation as a man "capable of suffering heavy losses in persistent, static battles."
"It is possible that by promoting Syrskyi, Zelensky made it clear that he intends to fight for Avdiivka. Even at a high price," the journalists speculate.
They believe that the command's idea may be to create a "attrition trap" for the Russian army in Avdiivka, as it was in Bakhmut. However, they note the shortage of shells.
"When there is no ammunition left, it will not matter whether there is one Ukrainian brigade or two in Avdiivka. And the decision of the Ukrainian command to reinforce the city will be controversial at best. At worst, it could lead to a bloody massacre for Ukrainian troops as they try to escape to west from a city they can no longer defend," Forbes writes.
