Russian forces are channeling additional forces to the Avdiivka front, despite ongoing challenges with attacks by mechanized brigades and the failure of a new assault in recent days.
Russian sources said that Ukrainian defensive fortifications, including minefields, pose a significant challenge to Russian advances around Avdiivka.
The frontline town, with a pre-war population of around 32,000, has been a symbol of Ukrainian resistance since the Russian invasion in 2014.
Avdiivka, which is generally seen as a gateway to the reconquest of the Russian-occupied city of Donetsk – some 20 km away – was briefly taken by Russia in 2014, but was subsequently retaken by Ukrainian forces who, in the following years, built solid fortifications there.
Ukrainian sources said that Russian forces continue to transfer personnel towards Avdiivka to support offensive efforts, despite heavy losses.
The British Ministry of Defense states: Recent Russian attacks in Avdiivka have contributed to a 90% increase in Russian casualties recorded by the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense.
It is likely that Russia has suffered up to 190,000 permanent casualties (killed and permanently wounded) since the start of the full-scale invasion, and the total number, including the temporarily wounded (recovered and due to return to the battlefield), is 290,000.
This figure does not include the Wagner Group or its prisoner battalions that fought in Bakhmut.
Russia prepares assault on Avdiivka
Town seen as symbol of Ukrainian resistance in Donetsk province