Russian forces are pressing on to other towns and villages after taking Avdiivka, according to Ukrainian soldiers.

The servicemen spoke of the sheer size of Russian manpower and the number of shells and guided aerial bombs targeting their new positions.

“It doesn’t end with them taking Avdiivka. They continue assaulting,” said Andriy, a Ukrainian drone pilot of the 47th Mechanised Brigade.

“After Avdiivka, the villages nearby are next. And then, Myrnohrad and Pokrovsk, the nearest larger towns.”

Fellow unit member Huk added the Russian forces were moving towards the village of Lastochkyne.

“I think they are now taking a small break to gather their forces so as to continue attacking us,” he said.

Russian forces secured Avdiivka after months of bombardment reduced the town to rubble.

It was Russia’s biggest battlefield victory since its forces captured Bakhmut in May 2023, indicating a change in momentum on the ground.

Vladimir Putin vowed to push Russian troops further into Ukraine.

“The situation on the Avdiivka front is quite clear. The Russians will advance as far as their strength allows, depending on who among them survives,” said Maksym Zhorin, deputy commander of Ukraine’s Third Assault Brigade.