Kiev is maneuvering in the embattled city of Avdiivka in eastern Ukraine, in some areas to withdraw its troops to “more advantageous positions” and in other areas to push back Russian forces, a Ukrainian military spokesman said today. Dmytro Likhovii.

In remarks broadcast by Ukrainian television networks, the spokesman noted that Ukraine had activated a back-up supply route to the city, but stressed that supplying Avdiivka and moving away from it was “difficult”.

Russia is trying to capture this city in eastern Ukraine after months of fierce fighting in the war.

“A maneuver is underway in Avdiivka in some places to withdraw our units to more advantageous positionsin some places to drive (the Russians) out of positions,” Likhovii noted.

“So the key message in all of this is that supplies to Abdiivka and evacuations from it are difficult,” he added, clarifying that the military activated a “reserve logistical artery” that had been prepared in advance.