Vsu rec center. Valdosta State University Recreation Center: Memberships, Facilities, and Services

How much does a VSU Recreation Center membership cost. What facilities are available at the VSU Student Recreation Center. How can students, faculty, staff, and community members access VSU’s fitness amenities.

Membership Options and Pricing at VSU Recreation Center

The Valdosta State University (VSU) Recreation Center offers a variety of membership options to cater to different user groups. Let’s explore the pricing structure for students, faculty/staff, alumni, and community members:

Semester-based Memberships

• Fall Semester (Aug 15, 2022 – December 9, 2022):
  • Non-fee paying students: $85
  • Faculty/Staff & Alumni: $90
  • Community members: $130
• Spring Semester (Jan 10, 2023 – May 7, 2023):
  • Non-fee paying students: $85
  • Faculty/Staff & Alumni: $90
  • Community members: $130
• Summer Semester (May 8, 2023 – July 28, 2023):
  • Non-fee paying students: $60
  • Faculty/Staff & Alumni: $60
  • Community members: $100

Annual Memberships

For those looking for year-round access, annual memberships are available:

• Faculty/Staff & Alumni: $240
• Community members: $360

Is there a convenient payment option for VSU employees? Yes, benefited VSU employees can take advantage of payroll deduction for their membership fees.

Comprehensive Facilities at VSU Student Recreation Center

The VSU Student Recreation Center boasts an impressive array of facilities designed to cater to various fitness needs and preferences. Here’s a detailed overview of what you can expect:

Functional Training Room

This newly added space is equipped with state-of-the-art fitness gear, including:

• Built-in ground Olympic platforms
• Soft plyoboxes
• Tires
• Sleds
• Various functional training equipment

Weight Training Room

The comprehensive weight training area features:

• 31 selectorized machines
• 1 Body Masters multi-station with 8 selectorized machines
• Dumbbells ranging from 5 lbs to 100 lbs
• 3 bench presses
• 2 incline benches
• 2 military benches
• 2 Hammer Strength power racks

Aquatic Facilities

The 7,000 sq. ft. natatorium includes:

• Heated indoor swimming pool
• 6 25-yard lanes for lap swimming
• Depth ranging from 4 to 9 feet
• Variety of aquatic exercise equipment (kickboards, ankle and wrist weights, aqua jogger belts, noodles)

Climbing Wall

Challenge yourself on the 27 ft (432 sq. ft) climbing wall, which offers:

• Routes suitable for beginners to experienced climbers
• Realistic features mimicking natural rock formations
• Vertical and horizontal cracks, face climbs, overhangs, and small ledges
• Interchangeable handholds for varied challenges

Can anyone use the climbing wall? Yes, climbing is free for VSU SRC members and guests, and no prior experience is necessary.

Multipurpose Courts

Located on the first floor, the facility offers:

• Six multi-purpose courts for basketball, volleyball, and badminton
• Three racquetball courts

Indoor Track

The second floor features a suspended 4-lane indoor jogging/walking track:

• Overlooks basketball and racquetball courts
• Inside lane for walking (10 laps = 1 mile)
• Outside lane for running (8 laps = 1 mile)
• Daily changing direction for traffic flow

Cardio Area

The dedicated cardio space is equipped with:

• 41 pieces of cardio equipment
• 13 new pieces added in December 2007

Personal Training Services at VSU Recreation Center

For those seeking personalized fitness guidance, the VSU Recreation Center offers personal training services. However, it’s important to note that spaces for these sessions are currently limited.

One-on-One Training Packages

The center provides various session packages to suit different needs and budgets:

Buddy Training Packages

For those who prefer to work out with a partner, buddy training packages are available:

Are fitness assessments available? Yes, single fitness assessments are offered for $20.

Additional Services and Amenities

To enhance the user experience, the VSU Recreation Center provides several additional services and amenities:

Locker Rentals

Secure storage options are available for members:

Can faculty and staff use payroll deduction for locker rentals? Yes, payroll deduction is available for locker rentals.

Payment Options

The Recreation Center accepts various payment methods to accommodate all users:

• Cash
• Checks (payable to VSU Campus Recreation)
• Master Card
• Visa
• Discover
• Flex

Special Considerations for Distance Learning Students

VSU recognizes the unique situation of distance learning students and has implemented specific policies to address their needs:

• Students enrolled in distance-learning courses or programs and not enrolled in an on-campus course or residing on campus may be eligible for a waiver of applicable mandatory fees.
• Only the required mandatory fees are assessed on the student account in such cases.
• Mandatory fees (including Activity Fees) are not assessed for students enrolled in online classes unless they are residing on campus.

Where can students find more information about mandatory fees? For detailed information about mandatory fees, students can visit the VSU Financial Services website at: https://www.valdosta.edu/administration/finance-admin/financial-services/students/policies-and-procedures/mandatory-fees.php

Maximizing Your VSU Recreation Center Experience

To make the most of your membership at the VSU Recreation Center, consider the following tips:

1. Explore all facilities: Take time to familiarize yourself with the various areas and equipment available.
2. Try new activities: Challenge yourself by trying out the climbing wall or participating in group fitness classes.
3. Set fitness goals: Utilize the personal training services to create a tailored fitness plan.
4. Stay hydrated: Bring a water bottle to refill during your workouts.
5. Use locker facilities: Rent a locker for convenience and security of your personal belongings.
6. Check the schedule: Stay informed about facility hours, class schedules, and any special events.
7. Bring a buddy: Consider buddy training sessions or invite a friend to work out with you for added motivation.

By taking advantage of the diverse offerings at the VSU Recreation Center, members can create a well-rounded fitness routine that caters to their individual needs and preferences.

The Impact of Fitness on Academic Performance

Research has consistently shown a positive correlation between regular physical activity and academic performance. Here’s how utilizing the VSU Recreation Center can benefit students beyond physical health:

• Improved cognitive function: Regular exercise has been linked to enhanced memory, concentration, and problem-solving skills.
• Stress reduction: Physical activity helps reduce stress levels, which can positively impact academic performance.
• Better time management: Incorporating fitness into a daily routine can improve overall time management skills.
• Increased energy levels: Regular workouts can boost energy, leading to improved productivity in academic pursuits.
• Enhanced mood: Exercise releases endorphins, which can improve mood and overall mental well-being.
• Social interaction: The recreation center provides opportunities for social engagement, which can contribute to a well-rounded college experience.

How can students balance their fitness routine with academic responsibilities? Creating a schedule that incorporates both study time and workout sessions can help maintain a healthy balance. Many students find that scheduling their workouts between classes or as a study break can be an effective strategy.

Community Engagement and VSU Recreation Center

The VSU Recreation Center plays a vital role in fostering community engagement and promoting a healthy lifestyle beyond the campus boundaries. Here’s how the center contributes to the broader Valdosta community:

• Community memberships: By offering memberships to non-VSU affiliated individuals, the center promotes community health and wellness.
• Special events: The recreation center may host events open to the public, encouraging community participation in fitness activities.
• Employment opportunities: The center provides job opportunities for students and local residents, contributing to the local economy.
• Health education: Through its facilities and programs, the center serves as a resource for health and fitness education in the community.
• Partnerships: Potential collaborations with local health organizations or fitness professionals can expand the center’s impact.

How does the VSU Recreation Center’s community engagement benefit students? Interaction with diverse community members can broaden students’ perspectives, provide networking opportunities, and enhance their overall college experience.

Future Developments and Expansion Plans

While specific details about future plans for the VSU Recreation Center are not provided in the given information, it’s common for university fitness facilities to continually evolve to meet the changing needs of their users. Potential areas for future development might include:

• Expansion of existing facilities to accommodate growing membership
• Introduction of new fitness trends and equipment
• Enhancement of technology integration, such as fitness tracking systems or virtual classes
• Sustainability initiatives to reduce environmental impact
• Increased accessibility features for users with diverse needs
• Expanded program offerings to cater to a wider range of interests and fitness levels

How can members stay informed about potential updates or changes to the VSU Recreation Center? It’s recommended to regularly check the official VSU Recreation Center website, follow their social media channels, and sign up for any available newsletters or email updates to stay informed about the latest developments and improvements.

The VSU Recreation Center stands as a cornerstone of health and wellness for the Valdosta State University community and beyond. With its comprehensive facilities, diverse program offerings, and commitment to serving various user groups, the center plays a crucial role in promoting active lifestyles and fostering a sense of community. Whether you’re a student looking to maintain fitness between classes, a faculty member seeking stress relief, or a community member in search of top-notch fitness facilities, the VSU Recreation Center offers something for everyone. By taking advantage of the available resources and staying engaged with the center’s offerings, members can significantly enhance their physical health, mental well-being, and overall quality of life.

Memberships & Fees – Valdosta State University

* Students enrolled in distance-learning courses or programs and not enrolled in an on-campus course or residing on campus may be eligible for a waiver of applicable mandatory fees.  In this case, only the required mandatory fees are assessed on the student account. Mandatory fees (including Activity Fees) are not assessed if enrolled in online classes unless the student is residing on campus.  For more information, visit:
https://www.valdosta.edu/administration/finance-admin/financial-services/students/policies-and-procedures/mandatory-fees.php

Personal Training 

* At this time, the VSU Recreation Center has limited spaces for Personal Training sessions. 

1-1 Training

Buddy Training

Single Fitness Assessments: $20

Cash, Checks, Master Card, Visa, Discover, and Flex are accepted. Please make checks payable to VSU Campus Recreation. 

Our Facilities – Valdosta State University

Within Valdosta State University’s Student Recreation Center, we have a series of areas specific for your training needs. Our facility is split up into three basic sections. There is a localized cardio area, a secluded circuit training room and a weight training area. Each section of our facility has unique equipment to aid you in your personal fitness goals. All of these studios are located on the second floor.

Functional Training Room

Come check out our brand new functional training room! This room includes cutting edge built in ground Olympic platforms, soft plyoboxes, tires, sleds, and various equipment to meet your fitness needs!

Weight Training Room

Our Weight Training Area, also located off of our indoor track, comes fully equipped with a wide range of weight training equipment for your weight training needs. This exclusive station includes: 31 selectorized machines, 1 Body Masters multi-station with 8 selectorized machines, an array of dumbbells with ranging weights between 5lbs. and 100 lbs., 3 bench presses, 2 inclines benches, 2 military benches, and 2 Hammer Strength power racks.

Pool Area

Campus Recreation’s 7,000 sq. ft. natatorium houses a heated 4 – 9 ft deep indoor swimming pool with six 25-yard lanes available for lap swimming. To enhance your workout routine, a variety of aquatic excise equipment is also available free for use and includes kick boards, ankle and wrist weights, aqua jogger belts, noodles and more.

Climbing Wall

Experience the excitement of climbing on our 27 ft.(432 sq. ft) Climbing Wall that was built by Monolithic Sculptures. The custom built wall offers routes to beginners all the way to well seasoned climbers, and its realistic features offer the closest thing to climbing on real rock. Vertical and horizontal cracks, face climbs, overhangs, small ledges and interchangeable hand holds all provide a variety of challenges. No experience is necessary to climb! So come challenge yourself, hone your skills, and keep in shape! Climbing is FREE for VSU SRC Members and Guests!

Multipurpose Courts

Located on the first floor of the facility, six multi-purpose courts provide space for basketball, volleyball, and badminton. There are also 3 racquetball courts in this area.

Indoor Track

Located on the second floor of Valdosta State University’s Student Recreation Center is a suspended 4-lane indoor jogging/walking track. It overlooks three basketball courts and three racquetball courts. The inside lane of our track is for walking and 10 full laps equals one mile. The outside lane of the track is for running and one mile can be attained by completing 8 full laps. The direction for the flow of traffic on our track changes daily and will be clearly noted by signs adorning the rails and walls.

Cardio Area

In the cardio area, the SRC has forty-one pieces of cardio equipment. Thirteen of these pieces are new and were purchased in December of 2007. This space is also equipped with eight 27″ televisions to help pass the time as you are working out.

The various types of equipment located within our cardio area include: 6 Woodway Treadmills, 5 Precor Treadmills, 2 Precor AMT 100i Adaptive Motion Trainer Machines, 5 Precor EFX 576i Ellipticals, 3 Octane Ellipticals, 2 Cybex Arch Trainers, 2 Stairmasters, 4 Upright True 750u Bicycles, 5 Recumbent True 750r Bicycles, and 1 SciFit Arm Ergometer

Fitness Room

Floor Plan

List of Fitness Machines Offered

VSU Campus Recreation is an Institutional Member of the National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association

“The front line now runs along the Bakhmutka River in the city center.

” What is happening in Bakhmut

Detachments of the private military company Wagner are crossing the Bakhmutka River and breaking through to the center of Bakhmut (Artemovsk), RT reported. In addition, in the north of the city, PMC fighters went on the offensive against the AZOM plant. At the same time, the Ukrainian military continues to hold the western part of Bakhmut, and are also preparing for a counteroffensive. About the situation in the city – in the material of Gazeta.Ru.

Soldiers of the private military company “Wagner” crossed the Bakhmutka River and are fighting a “serious battle” in the market area on the right bank of the Bakhmut (Russian name – Artemovsk), TV channel 9 reports0005 RT .

“Presumably, the advanced groups of the Wagner PMC were able to cross the Bakhmutka River and began moving towards the city center,” the message says.

According to RT, between the bus station, the market and the building of school No. 5 there is a company stronghold of the Ukrainian army with a system of passages under the houses and an ammunition depot.

From this point, according to the channel, underground tunnels lead to the central part of the city. Along them you can get to the alley between the lower and upper parks, the Avangard stadium, as well as to the pre-trial detention center and the machine-building plant.

One of the PMC fighters told the state agency RIA Novosti that almost every house in the southern quarters of Bakhmut was stormed, and in each of them there were several Ukrainian soldiers.

“There were enemy firing points here. Ribbons of NATO type (caliber) 7.62 mm from the MG-42 machine gun,” the Wagnerian said and showed reporters samples of weapons captured from the positions of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

On March 10, war correspondent Alexander Simonov stated that units of the Wagner PMC from the north entered the territory of the Artemovsky Metalworking Plant (AZOM) and began to move deeper into the enterprise.

AZOM is a huge territory with dense industrial development and a network of underground utilities that goes underground for dozens of floors,” the military commander said.

The eastern part of the city under the control of PMCs

On March 11, British military intelligence in its daily report on hostilities in Ukraine spoke about the situation in Bakhmut.

“Over the past four days, Wagner forces have taken control of most of the eastern quarters of Bakhmut. The front line now runs along the Bakhmutka River in the center of the city, ”the British Ministry of Defense said.

According to the agency, the Ukrainian military is holding the western part of Bakhmut. According to intelligence, the Ukrainian Armed Forces destroyed key bridges across the river, which flows from north to south through a strip of open land between 200 and 800 meters wide between built-up areas.

“Because the UAF can fire from fortified buildings in the west, this area has become a kill zone, which is likely to create serious difficulties for the Wagner PMC forces trying to continue their offensive to the west,” according to the British military department.

Intelligence notes that the Ukrainian army and its supply lines in the west remain vulnerable to attacks by the Russian Armed Forces.

Head of PMC “Wagner” Yevgeny Prigozhin earlier did not rule out that the Armed Forces of Ukraine could be preparing a counteroffensive in the Bakhmut area.

“Yes, it is a known fact that the enemy is preparing a counteroffensive. Of course, we are doing everything possible to prevent this from happening, ”Prigozhin said.

On March 8, he reported that Russian forces were in control of the eastern part of the city.

Ukrainian counteroffensive

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed in a video message on March 10 that the country’s armed forces were preparing a counteroffensive near Bakhmut. He said that he discussed an attempt to organize a counteroffensive and strengthen the positions of the army in the city area with the command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

“The meeting of the headquarters of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief has ended. The commander-in-chief, the commanders of the operational groups reported on the situation on the front line, mainly in the defense. East and south, border. Bakhmut and our opportunities to gain a foothold there,” Zelensky said.

On March 8, Zelensky said in an interview with CNN that the city “should not be surrounded.”

“Of course, we must think about the life of our military. But we must do everything in our power while we receive weapons, supplies and our army is preparing for a counteroffensive, ”said the president.

He also warned that if Russian forces took Bakhmut under control, they would have an “open road” to take key cities in the Donetsk direction.

“They could go to Kramatorsk, they could go to Slavyansk, this would be an open road for Russians after Bakhmut to other cities of Ukraine in the direction of Donetsk. That is why our guys are standing there,” the head of state said.

The United States is waiting for talks between Moscow and Kiev — in case of Ukraine’s military success

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In turn, the commander of the ground forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Alexander Syrsky, said that holding Bakhmut makes it possible to prepare for the coming counteroffensive.

“Each day of the defense of the city allows us to buy time to prepare reserves and prepare for the upcoming offensive operations,” he said.

Over the past two weeks, according to Ukrainian media reports, Syrsky visited Bakhmut four times.

The city is located north of Gorlovka and is an important transport hub for supplying the Ukrainian group of troops in the Donbass. Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu previously stated that taking it under control would allow an offensive deep into the defense of Ukrainian troops.

What happened during the week in the war in Ukraine: battles for the center of Bakhmut and counterattacks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine near Avdiivka

• Oleg Chernysh
• BBC News Ukraine

April 9, 2023

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Photo copyright, EPA

Photo caption,

The road to Bakhmut remains under UAF control

Over the past week, there have been statements from Russia about the “legal capture” of Bakhmut, and the Ukrainian authorities allowed a retreat from this city in the Donetsk region. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian Armed Forces reportedly carried out counterattacks near the towns of Avdiivka and Maryinka to prevent encirclement.

On Monday night, the founder of PMC “Wagner” Yevgeny Prigozhin released a video with the installation of the Russian flag on the destroyed building of the Bakhmut City Council. At the same time, he stated that “legally” Bakhmut was taken.

However, a few days later Prigozhin clarified that the Ukrainian troops of Bakhmut were not leaving and were holding an organized defense.

• “Bakhmut – Ukrainian”. Kiev rejects Prigozhin’s statement about the capture of the city

Ukrainian and foreign experts say that Russian forces in Bakhmut have changed their tactics somewhat. The city remains at the epicenter of their offensive efforts, but they have shifted their focus from encirclement attempts to fighting in residential areas.

The Russian army and fighters of PMC “Wagner” somewhat weakened the attacks in the north and south-west of the Bakhmut direction, but concentrated on a breakthrough to the city center in the north-west. There they are trying to reach the key logistics center of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the area – the town of Chasov Yar.

Now the fighting is going on for the neighboring village of Bogdanovka, which is located near the road 0506. Russian Z-bloggers say that successful actions here “will collapse the entire flank that covers Ukrainian communications.” The latest statements of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine say that the Ukrainian army is still repulsing all attacks near Bogdanovka.

On the other, southern, side of the Bakhmut highway T0504, the Russians are trying to get through to the villages of Belaya Gora and Ivanovskoye.

According to the BBC Ukrainian Service, both villages are still under Ukrainian control. This means that the Russian army failed to cut the corridor to Bakhmut, which is in a semi-encirclement, namely, the highway to the city of Konstantinovka, as well as road 0506 to Chasovoy Yar.

However, the Russian forces managed to advance into the center of Bakhmut. “Wagner” telegram channels are already publishing numerous photos from the central part of the city.

Photo author, War Gonzo

Photo caption,

Author of the pro-war WarGonzo telegram channel Semyon Pegov and Wagner PMC fighter in the center of Bakhmut

The same was said in the report of British military intelligence on April 7. “Russia has made further progress and now appears to have advanced into the city center and captured the western bank of the Bakhmutka River. Ukraine’s key supply route for 0506 to the west of the city is likely under serious threat,” intelligence said.

According to the intelligence service, Russia has increased the use of artillery in the area, and the regular army has improved interaction with the units of the PMC “Wagner”.

• Why did Ukraine decide to fight for Bakhmut despite the threat of encirclement?

The Ukrainian command recognizes the complexity of the situation in the Bakhmut area. However, at the same time, the commander of the APU grouping in this direction, General Alexander Syrsky, insists that “the enemy is weakening.”

“The enemy is weakening and trying to cover up its failures with new and new fakes about the capture of Bakhmut,” Syrsky said on April 3.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky also commented on the situation in Bakhmut at a press conference during his visit to Poland. He called it “very, very difficult.”

“But we are in Bakhmut, and the enemy does not control Bakhmut, this is the situation today,” Zelensky said. “General Syrsky is in charge of the operational situation. Of course, for him and for me, the main thing is not to lose personnel. Of course, if there is the moment of even hotter events and the danger that we may lose personnel due to the environment, there will be corresponding correct decisions of the general on the spot.

“Seversky ledge” and Liman direction

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The Russian military’s change of tactics near Bakhmut may be designed to increase attacks in a completely different area. We are talking about the so-called “Seversky ledge”.

South of Kremennaya, the front line bends – the Armed Forces of Ukraine hold a ledge that juts out into the depths of the defense of the Russian army along the Seversky Donets River, in the center of which is the city of Belogorovka.

After the beginning of the invasion, the Russians repeatedly tried to capture both Belogorovka and neighboring Seversk, but all attempts to force the river ended in failure for them.

Now this “protrusion” has become a real bone in the throat for the Russian military. The fact is that, for example, only 10 km from Belogorovka to the Russian-occupied cities of Lisichansk and Kremennaya in the Luhansk region.

It is this area that can become a springboard for the Armed Forces of Ukraine to return the Severodonetsk-Lysichansk agglomeration or cut the Kremennaya-Svatovo highway.

Therefore, it is not surprising that the Russian command may consider cutting off this “protrusion” as one of its top priorities.

To implement it, Russia almost daily attacks the village of Disputed south of Seversk and Belogorovka in the northeast.

According to the military observer of the Ukrainian group “Information resistance” Konstantin Mashovets, the Russians are now trying to resolve the issue of Seversk even before the end of the capture of Bakhmut.

This is indicated by the covert regrouping of Russian troops in the north-east of Bakhmut, the meaning of which is to concentrate additional forces and equipment in this direction.

At the same time, as the analyst points out, Russia does not involve operational reserves in this area to speed up the operation to capture Bakhmut.

At the same time, the Russian army stepped up preparations for an offensive in the Liman direction, which is located north of the Seversky ledge. According to Mashovets, it was in this area that the “most combat-ready units” of the Russian group and a significant amount of armored vehicles were concentrated.

“The most likely immediate targets are still access to the Cherny Zherebets River and Liman […] and further crossing of the Seversky Donets River from the north, in the Seversky direction itself,” the expert says.

At the same time, Russia also stepped up pressure on the villages located south of Seversk: Razdolovka, Veseloe, Vyimka and Disputed. The reports of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine confirm the intensification of fighting in this direction this week.

AFU counterattacks near Avdiivka and Maryinka

Photo credit, Getty Images

Photo caption,

Avdiivka was almost completely destroyed by shelling

Two other towns in the Donetsk region that were at the epicenter of hostilities in early April were Avdiivka and Maryinka. Both can be considered suburbs of the regional center – Donetsk – and both are almost completely destroyed by powerful strikes of Russian aircraft and artillery.

These settlements are of strategic importance to the parties. For Ukraine, this is an opportunity to hold a foothold for the future liberation of the regional center and the ability to strike at Russian bases and warehouses in Donetsk.

For the Russians, it is important to push the enemy to a safe distance from Donetsk and open their way to the logistics centers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. This is primarily Kurakhovo, Selidovo and Pokrovsk.

Russian attacks on the Avdiivka direction intensified significantly at the end of March. Attempts to take the city head-on were futile, and the Russian military tried to surround the settlement and cut off the supply lines of the Ukrainian garrison.

They achieved the greatest success on this path from the northern flank of Avdiivka. Here, Russian troops reached the village of Krasnogorovka, which is actually 4-5 km north of the city.

Further movement to the west would cut the only road leading to Avdiivka.

• Russian advance near Avdiivka and reconnaissance in combat of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in Zaporozhye. What’s happening on the Russian-Ukrainian front

But according to the American think tank Institute for the Study of War (ISW), the Ukrainians this week managed to counterattack and recapture some positions north of the city from the Russians.

Expert of the Center for Defense Strategies, retired colonel Viktor Kevlyuk claims that the Armed Forces of Ukraine carried out not one, but several successful counterattacks around Avdiivka. According to him, these actions pushed the Russians back and forced them to go on the defensive. “Avdiivka is such a light warm-up before a very big offensive,” he says.

Vitaliy Barabash, the head of the city administration, confirmed the “improvement of positions” of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, but noted that this cannot be called a counteroffensive.

“Unfortunately, the information published by the Institute for the Study of War about the counteroffensive of the Armed Forces of Ukraine near Avdiivka was not confirmed. Maybe this will happen a little later. There were certain actions aimed at improving positions, and our troops succeeded, but this is far from a counteroffensive “, – he said in an interview with Hromadskom Radio.

The main resource of the Russian advance in this direction is not only infantry, but also aviation. Russia strikes daily from the air. This leads to the destruction of buildings that Ukrainian forces could use as shelter.

Barabash indicates that up to 20 Russian air raids on Avdiivka were recorded per day.

As of April 7, according to the Ukrainian General Staff, Russian forces are trying to advance on the village of Severnoe (5 km southwest of Avdiivka) and Novokalinovo (8 km north of the city).

“There is nothing critical. Yes, it’s hot, yes, they hit constantly, the only road is under shelling, but there is no encirclement that they [the Russian military] dream about,” says the head of the Avdiivka administration.

Similar operations are carried out by the Russian army in Marinka. This village was completely destroyed during the year of the war and partially captured by Russian troops. However, the Armed Forces of Ukraine still hold its western part and built a powerful system of fortifications and trenches.

The Russian military are trying to bypass the fortifications from the south through the village of Pobeda (3 km from Maryinka) and get to the highway to Kurakhovo. This settlement is of great importance, since in fact it is the logistics center of the Ukrainian group in the Maryinsky and Ugledarsky directions.

Russia has also begun to actively use aviation in this region. In particular, on April 7, a Russian Su-25 was shot down here, the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported.

“Russian offensive operations along this front line (near Marinka) remain largely unsuccessful and provide little more than a tactical advance in the area,” the Institute for the Study of War notes in its April 6 report.

The Russian Ministry of Defense claimed that during the week its troops prevented several Ukrainian counterattacks near Maryinka. But the military telegram channels, on the contrary, reported on the successful counterattack of the Armed Forces of Ukraine near the village of Pobeda on April 4.

The author of the photo, Andrey Ermak

Photo caption,

The village of Maryinka is partially captured by Russian troops

In other directions – Zaporozhye and Kherson – the situation has not changed much.