Russian forces have pummelled the town over the past week, a key bulge surrounded by Russian-held territory on the eastern Donbas front. Drone footage showed a line of military vehicles trundling forward. Ukrainian military officials say Moscow’s goal is to encircle Avdiivka, but so far the attackers have made modest gains. Both Moscow and Washington have described the upsurge in violence around Avdiivka as a new Russian offensive. Any decrease in the tempo of Russian offensive operations may be the result of a temporary adjustment to the tactical situation, and Russian forces may intensify their attempts to encircle Avdiivka in the coming days.

Source: The Guardian October 16, 2023 04:28 UTC