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Military operation in Ukraine

Russian army takes Lastochkino, moves to another Ukrainian stronghold — expert

Eduard Basurin explained that near a small community west of Avdeyevka the Ukrainian army had created another line of defense

DONETSK, February 26. /TASS/. Russian troops, having liberated the village of Lastochkino west of Avdeyevka, in the Donetsk People’s Republic, are now pushing ahead towards another Ukrainian stronghold, military expert Eduard Basurin has told TASS.

On Monday, the Russian Defense Ministry declared the liberation of Lastochkino and the improvement of the situation along the front line in the area of Avdeyevka.

"I would not emphasize only Lastochkino. We have straightened the front line near Avdeyevka and we are now moving on. The further away from Donetsk we push the frontline, the calmer life the people there will have. This is true not only of Donetsk, but also of Yasinovataya and Makeyevka. In any case, the liberation of our land is always a success. This is what we are striving for," Basurin said.

He explained that near a small community west of Avdeyevka the Ukrainian army had created another line of defense.

"Initially only Avdeyevka itself served as a stronghold. Behind it there were not many fortifications at first. Lately, the enemy created a defense line there too," the expert said.

Basurin believes that the Russian army will build up its strategic advantage in this direction only if its offensive is quick enough. Otherwise the enemy will have time to entrench itself.

Lastochkino is a small community on the outskirts of Avdeyevka. Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu reported to President Vladimir Putin on February 17 the Russian army had gained full control of Avdeyevka.

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