Russia has likely launched a coordinated offensive on several fronts in eastern Ukraine, including on the heavily defended town of Avdiivka, the UK’s Ministry of Defence said.
In its daily update on the war in Ukraine, the ministry described the offensive as likely “the most significant offensive operation undertaken by Russia since at least January 2023.”
“Russia’s attack is likely being carried out with multiple armored battalions, which are attempting to envelope the town,” the Ministry of Defence statement read.
It added that Avdiivka has been “on the frontline since 2014.”
“The town is a major obstacle in preventing Russian forces from their wider objective of taking control of Donetsk Oblast.”
The ministry suggested that Ukrainian forces were so far holding back the Russian advance. It added that Russian forces have sustained heavy equipment and personnel losses.
“Slow progress and high casualties have likely triggered a change in messaging from Russia, from an offensive to ‘active defense,’ as successfully clearing Avdiivka looks increasingly unlikely in the short term.”
Russia has significantly intensified its attacks on Avdiivka in recent days.