Page 28 - Ussian Troops News Today

"Russian forces will likely have to conduct an operational pause before resuming significant offensive operations in the Avdiivka direction," analysts said.

Experts at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) have suggested that the Russian occupiers will have to take an operational pause before resuming offensive operations on the Avdiivka front or redeploy reinforcements from other parts of the front line to prevent the culmination of operations near Avdiivka.

Ukrainian Armed Forces (AFU) repelled all Russian attacks in the Zaporizhzhya Oblast, despite a "difficult night," Operational Command West reported on Telegram on Feb. 20.

Russia forces are "taking advantage" of Western allies' delays in providing Ukraine with additional military aid, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in his evening address on Feb. 19.

Following reports of Ukrainian prisoners of war (POWs) being shot after their positions were captured, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin cynically stated that Russia "has always adhered to international legal documents and conventions" concerning the treatment of prisoners of war.

Russian forces also launched two S-300/S-400 guided anti-aircraft missiles and a Kh-31 missile during the night.

Kyiv will "firmly respond" to any attempts to involve the Russian-controlled Moldovan region of Transnistria in Russia's war against Ukraine and destabilize the situation in Moldova, the Foreign Ministry said amid increased Russian pressure on the Eastern European country.

Ukrainian forces began to defend their positions near the city of Avdiivka, battles continue there. Russian troops attack in the direction of the village of Lastochkyne, west of Avdiivka, and have enough forces to launch an offensive in that area.

Russian forces again executed Ukrainian prisoners of war near Robotyne, Zaporizhzhya Oblast, the DeepState analytical portal reported on Telegram on Feb. 20.

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu claims that following the invasion of Ukraine, Russian troops increased the number of tanks, ammunition and drones, as well as the quality of protection for armoured personnel carriers and infantry fighting vehicles.