Ukrainian Troops Face New Russian Assault on Eastern Town of Avdiivka
In a recent development, Ukrainian troops are currently facing a renewed Russian assault in the war-torn city of Avdiivka in eastern Ukraine. At the same time, they have made significant progress in their counteroffensive in the southern theater, as confirmed by senior military officials on Thursday.
Ukrainian Forces Encounter Ongoing Attacks
Despite their relentless efforts to defend Avdiivka, the Ukrainian forces have reported that the enemy shows no signs of relenting. The Russian troops continue to intensify their assaults, aiming to break through the Ukrainian defenses and surround the city. They are deploying assault units, armored equipment, and utilizing aircraft and artillery to achieve their objective.
The situation remains challenging for the Ukrainian troops as they constantly face pressure and new assaults in Avdiivka. Oleksandr Shtupun, the spokesperson for the southern group of Ukrainian forces, highlighted that the enemy has regrouped and launched fresh attacks on the city, situated just 20 km west of the Russian-held Donetsk.
Avdiivka: A Symbol of Ukrainian Resistance
Avdiivka has become synonymous with Ukrainian resistance. Despite the destruction caused by the conflict, the town has held its ground since 2014 when Russian-backed separatists attempted to seize control of eastern Ukraine. Avdiivka’s strategic importance is evident, particularly due to its large coking plant. The town has endured months of attacks and currently houses around 1,600 residents, a fraction of its original population.
Kupiansk, another town in the region, has also witnessed increased attacks from Russian forces. While Ukrainian troops successfully recaptured Kupiansk last year, the Russian forces have been relentless in their attempts to reclaim it. Nonetheless, General Valery Zaluzhnyi, Ukraine’s commander-in-chief, affirmed that the Ukrainian forces are maintaining their defense in the most challenging conditions.
Ukrainian Counteroffensive in the Southern Theater
Despite the ongoing assaults in Avdiivka, Ukrainian forces engaged in the counteroffensive have made progress in the southern theater. They aim to advance towards the Sea of Azov, with the strategic objective of severing the land bridge that connects Russian-held positions in the east and south.
Oleksandr Shtupun, the spokesperson, reported that the troops have advanced approximately 400 meters to the southwest of the village of Verbove in the Zaporizhzhia region. This advancement follows the successful recapture of the nearby village of Robotyne last month.
According to the Institute for the Study of War, Ukrainian forces appear to have penetrated the eastern bank of the Dnipro River in the southern Kherson region. While Kyiv has not officially commented on this report, it indicates a potential breakthrough for Ukrainian troops.
Conclusion
The ongoing conflict between Ukrainian and Russian forces in Avdiivka and the southern theater highlights the relentless determination of both sides. Despite the challenges faced by Ukrainian troops, their resilience and progress in the counteroffensive signify their commitment to defending their homeland.
