Intense Russian Attacks on Avdiivka Continue, Ukrainian Officer Reports

A top Ukrainian officer has stated that Russia's recent offensive in the eastern Ukrainian town of Avdiivka is failing, while acknowledging that Ukraine's own attempts to advance in the south have been challenging. Russian forces have launched a major assault on Avdiivka, but have made only modest gains so far. The Russian army's goal is to encircle the town, but Ukrainian military officials believe there is zero possibility of a breakthrough. The Russians have suffered significant losses, with dozens of tanks and armoured vehicles destroyed and thousands of troops killed. The Ukrainian commander stated that Russia's large-scale tactics do not work and that the offensive is an obvious defeat. Meanwhile, Ukraine's counteroffensive in the south is progressing slowly, with formidable obstacles such as minefields and defensive trenches. The Ukrainian brigade is adapting its tactics by employing smaller group formations and advancing gradually. The lack of aviation support and modern battle tanks is a constraint, but the brigade is prepared for the upcoming winter season. The Ukrainian president praised the courage and unity of the country's defenders in Avdiivka.