Intensifying air bombardments and ground forces movements around the eastern Ukrainian town of Avdiivka have led to heavy losses for Russian forces and repelled Russian attacks in other parts of the front line, according to Ukraine’s military on Monday.
The fighting has escalated since Russia’s failed advance on Kyiv in the early stages of the ongoing war, with a recent push to seize Avdiivka from the Ukrainian military. The city, located 20 km from the Russian-held Donetsk, has been a focal point for the conflict, with Ukrainian forces successfully repelling attacks in the past 24 hours.
Ukrainian military spokesman Oleksandr Shtupun revealed that the occupiers have increased the number of air strikes using guided bombs and reinforcing their infantry, resulting in the destruction of several enemy vehicles attempting to deploy armored vehicles in the area.
Reports from Avdiivka’s military administration indicate that Russian forces have suffered significant casualties in the ongoing drive to seize the city, with a large portion of the population evacuated and minimal infrastructure remaining intact.
The strategic position of Avdiivka, located on heights with a clear view of Donetsk, has been a crucial factor in the intense fighting for control.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian General Staff reported repelling Russian attacks near various other towns, including Maryinka, Bakhmut, and Kupiansk, with Russian forces claiming to have repulsed Ukrainian attempts to advance in other areas.
Ukrainian Commander-in-chief, General Valery Zaluzhnyi, discussed the situation with Charles Brown, U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of staff, emphasizing the war’s shift towards a phase of attrition, which has been refuted by President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.
(Reporting by Ron Popeski; Editing by Michael Perry)
