President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he sent a signal to the leadership of the Armed Forces about the need to minimize military casualties in battles with the occupiers, in particular in Avdiivka direction (Donetsk region).

"As for Avdiivka: the situation there is complicated not the first day. We remember what Russia is doing to our cities and villages. They will not calm down until they completely destroy all living things there," he said on press conference with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, answering questions from journalists.

According to Zelenskyy, the Ukrainian military is now heroically defending strategic facilities and logistics routes in the Avdiivka area, which could lead the enemy to advance.

He also said he is thoroughly aware of the situation in that area and is in constant contact with the military leadership.

"At the same time, I will not talk about what new military approaches they are using. Their task is to do everything to protect, first of all, our people," Zelenskyy said.

The head of state also said the lives of the Ukrainian military are the main thing.

"And this is the main signal from me: our military is the most important thing we have. And this is our main weapon. Everyone can say that war is losses. No. First of all, we need to make do with fewer losses. This is exactly the signal that the leadership [Defense Force] receives from me. Well, there, on the battlefield, there are already professionals. They know what to do," the president said.