Russian Forces Gain Ground in Symbolic Ukrainian Industrial Hub of Avdiivka
In a recent interview on Russian television, President Vladimir Putin proudly announced the significant gains made by Russian forces in Ukraine, specifically in the symbolic industrial hub of Avdiivka. This town has long been a symbol of Ukrainian resistance since 2014, and even before the recent offensive, it had regularly been targeted and bombed.
Russian forces now have control over territory to the east, north, and south of Avdiivka, effectively tightening the noose around the town. This has posed great difficulties for the approximately 1,600 civilians who remain in Avdiivka, as constant shelling has made evacuation nearly impossible.
Despite the gains made by Russia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky insists that Kyiv is holding its ground in Avdiivka. On the other hand, Moscow claims that their positions have improved, highlighting the conflicting accounts of the situation on the ground.
According to the Ukrainian army, Russian attacks in the area have been successfully repelled. However, analysts have noted significant losses of military materiel for the Russian forces, based on open source images of the assault. This suggests that the Russian offensive has not been without consequences.
The intensified assault on Avdiivka by Russia comes after a slower-than-expected Ukrainian counter-offensive. President Putin declared that the Ukrainian counter-offensive has “totally failed” and asserted that Russia is prepared for new offensive operations.
Unfortunately, the Russian strikes have already resulted in four deaths and three injuries in the eastern regions of Kharkiv and Kherson. The escalation of violence in these areas has caused great concern among the international community, prompting calls for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict.
As the situation in Avdiivka and other parts of Ukraine continues to unfold, it is essential to monitor the developments closely and prioritize the safety and well-being of the vulnerable civilian population caught in the crossfire.
