<h3>October 24, 2023 at 1:00 a.m. EDT</h3>
<h1>Russia Intensifies Attacks in Eastern Ukraine, Focusing on Kupyansk and Avdiivka</h1>
<p>KUPYANSK, Ukraine – While the world’s attention is on the conflict between Israel and Hamas, Russia has launched aggressive strikes in eastern Ukraine. The city of Avdiivka in the Donetsk region and the surrounding areas of Kupyansk and Lyman have been heavily targeted by Moscow.</p>
<p>Russia’s renewed attacks on these strategic points on the eastern front have forced Ukraine to defend territories that were once occupied by Russia. The fighting near Kupyansk, located just 25 miles from the Russian border, is particularly intense. Ukraine has observed an increase in Russia’s forces, including new brigades and elite units composed of prisoner battalions known as “Storm Z.”</p>
<p>General Oleksandr Syrsky, the commander of Ukraine’s ground forces, described the situation as significantly deteriorating. Russia’s objective is to encircle Kupyansk and reach the Oskil River, which flows through the city. Artillery fire can be heard in the center of Kupyansk, where the front line is located.</p>
<p>Since Ukrainian troops reclaimed Kupyansk in September 2022, the city and its surrounding area have been under constant bombardment. There have been minimal changes in territorial control since then. The city now lies in ruins, with its main street and administration building destroyed.</p>
<p>Soldiers fighting in the nearby village of Synkivka describe the recent battles as chaotic, with the Russians launching relentless attacks using a massive amount of ammunition. The Russian forces are compared to those during World War II, using their tanks and helicopters to overwhelm the Ukrainian troops. However, Ukrainians manage to hold the line, although the Russians have learned from past mistakes and improved their tactics.</p>
<p>Residents of Kupyansk live in fear of reoccupation and are suspicious of collaborators and pro-Russian sympathizers. Ukrainian military intelligence and soldiers do not display their rank visibly within the city for safety reasons. There is a high level of uncertainty and tension among the population.</p>
<p>In addition to the attacks on Kupyansk, Russia has also intensified its assault on Avdiivka, a key city in eastern Ukraine. Avdiivka has been a target since the conflict began in 2014 and has remained well-fortified. If Russia captures Avdiivka, a significant portion of the front line could collapse.</p>
<p>According to military intelligence, Russian forces are under pressure to seize the entire Donetsk region by the end of the year, although this may be an unrealistic goal. The battle for Avdiivka is challenging for both sides, with the Russians facing difficulties due to strong Ukrainian defensive positions.</p>
<p>Despite the challenges, Ukraine continues to actively engage in offensive operations, slowly gaining ground through surprise attacks and taking Russian positions. These actions aim to pressure the Russians and create weaker points on the front line that Ukraine can exploit.</p>
<p>While progress is being made, the cost of these operations is high, and commanders are under immense pressure. The conflict in eastern Ukraine shows no signs of ending anytime soon, with both sides committed to their objectives.</p>
Russia launches a powerful counter-counteroffensive in northeastern Ukraine
