Largest offensive in the East: Colossal Russian losses in the Battle of Avdiivka

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Russian forces have launched a major offensive and deployed massive artillery near Avdiivka. Three battalions with around 2,000 soldiers are deployed, dozens of tanks, artillery and support from helicopter gunships – the occupiers are trying with all their might to conquer the city.

The Ukrainian forces have so far managed to repel the attacks, inflicting huge losses on the Russian army. Nearly 1,000 soldiers are said to have been killed in just a few days, and videos show entire columns of armored vehicles being fired upon by the defenders and going up in flames. The invaders have already lost more than 40 tanks.

Coordinated attacks are rare

The scale of the Russian offensive is surprising. Sergii Czechovsky of the 59th Brigade told the BBC: “We have not faced such an intense attack since the beginning of the invasion. They deploy multiple rocket launchers, artillery, tanks and infantry, all at the same time.”

This coordinated action by the Russian army is quite unusual, writes the Institute for the Study of War. Until now, they have often shunned such attacks, which are intended to quickly break through Ukrainian defense lines, because there was often a lack of coordination between troops.

There are different information about the front line. While Russian war bloggers report that some units have advanced hundreds of meters, Ukrainian sources contradict these statements.

Important logistics bridge destroyed

The Russians’ attempt to overrun the Ukrainian defenders has clearly failed. In addition, according to the “Süddeutsche Zeitung”, an important bridge northeast of Avdiivka was destroyed – this was of enormous importance for Russian logistics.

This was probably the most expensive battle of the Russian army. The Ukrainians’ artillery, mines and armor-piercing weapons take out one combat vehicle after another.

The purpose of the major Russian attack was apparently to get Ukraine to move units from the Bakhmut area to Avdiivka to reduce pressure from Ukrainian forces there.

“Our defenders bravely hold their position”

The Russian attacks continue unabated – including the feared phosphorus bombs. “Our defenders are bravely holding their position,” the Ukrainian General Staff said in its situation report on Thursday evening. Seven Russian attacks on the small town and another seven on nearby towns were repelled, the military leadership in Kiev wrote.

Avdiivka is located in the immediate vicinity of the large city of Donetsk, which has been controlled by pro-Russian forces since 2014. The highly developed fortress has been disputed for months. The aim of the Russian offensive, which has intensified again over the past two days, is apparently to cut off Avdiivka from supplies and encircle Ukrainian forces stationed there. (neo)

Source: Blick