Spokesperson for the Tavria Operational and Strategic Group of Forces Dmytro Lykhoviy has confirmed that combat clashes are taking place not only in the northern private housing districts of Avdiyivka but also within the urban area of the town.

"All journalists keep asking, and I can confirm that yes, combat clashes are already taking place not only in the northern private housing districts of the town but also within its urban area. The plan of the adversary is obvious: it is trying to cut the Ukrainian defense forces by entering [the town] between the Avdiyivka Coke Plant and the quarry," he said on the national telethon Thursday.

The official also said that the enemy is directing its main assault pressure at the north of Avdiyivka. The occupation forces want to cut the major logistics artery and achieve the so-called "operational encirclement of the town." Ukrainian defenders are actively resisting.

The situation in Avdiyivka is tough but controlled, Lykhoviy said.

The enemy has concentrated its main efforts on Novopavlivsk, Avdiyivka, and Orikhiv axes in the area of responsibility of the Tavria Group of Forces.