Russian Forces Continue Intense Attacks on Eastern Ukraine
Intensified fighting in Avdiivka, Ukraine: Russian forces have relentlessly bombarded the city of Avdiivka in eastern Ukraine for four consecutive days. This escalated conflict is regarded as a new offensive in Russia’s ongoing invasion of its neighboring country. The Russian assaults have caused widespread destruction in Avdiivka, leaving the already-devastated city in flames.
Russian missile strike in Pokrovsk: In another attack, a missile strike by Russian forces in the city of Pokrovsk resulted in the death of one person and injured 24 others. The impact of this aggression has left the community in shock and grief.
Drone attack in Beryslav: A drone attack in the southern region of Kherson claimed the life of a 34-year-old woman and seriously injured her 36-year-old husband. This tragic incident has caused immense pain and distress for the affected family.
Impact on Avdiivka: Avdiivka, known for its significant coking plant in Ukraine’s Donbas industrial heartland, has been targeted relentlessly by Russian forces. Vitaliy Barabash, head of the city’s military administration, reported that the city is completely ablaze, with the hospital, administrative buildings, and volunteer center among the targets. The intensity and duration of the attacks have left the city devastated.
Russia’s campaign in Donetsk and Luhansk: Russia has focused its campaign on the eastern regions of Donetsk and Luhansk, stretching along a 1,000-km front. This strategic approach has posed significant challenges for Ukraine in defending its territory.
Ukrainian counteroffensive: Although Ukraine launched a counteroffensive in June to regain control, the progress has been limited. The Ukrainian military has made some gains near Bakhmut in the east and aims to sever the land bridge connecting Russian positions in the south and east. However, these advances have not matched the rapid gains made by Ukraine last year.
New stage in Russia’s campaign: Russia’s representative to the United Nations, Vasily Nebenzia, acknowledged that the intensified battles in the east signify a new stage in their campaign. This implies that Russia is determined to continue its military actions despite international pressure.
United States’ perspective: The United States, recognizing the Russian offensive, views it as a significant escalation. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby stated that Russia’s actions demonstrate their unwillingness to give up their campaign. However, the United States remains confident in the Ukrainian military’s ability to repel the Russian forces.
The resilience of Avdiivka: Military analyst Serhiy Zgurets highlighted Avdiivka’s resilience, emphasizing that the city has previously withstood Russian attacks in 2014. Despite the challenges, Avdiivka has fortified itself against the aggressors, inflicting significant losses on Russian forces in the past.
Continued attacks in Kherson: While Russian forces abandoned the western bank of the Dnipro River in the Kherson region, they continue to shell towns from positions on the eastern bank. This ongoing aggression has resulted in immense suffering for the local population.
The conflict in Ukraine remains a grave concern, with Russian forces persistently attacking and causing devastation in various regions. The international community continues to closely monitor the situation, hoping for a peaceful resolution to this long-standing conflict.
