The assault continues. There are 4 miles left to close the cauldron
Avdiivka may repeat the fate of Bachmut, Russians are attacking with great forces" - writes the German newspaper "Bild". The initial Russian plan assumed bypassing the city from the west, capturing the villages of Severnoye, Steppe and Berdychev, encircling and trapping the Ukrainians in a kettle, which would mean certain death for them.
Oct 17, 2023 | updated: 1:56 AM EDT, October 18, 2023
For now, the assault is being held back. This is happening at the cost of huge losses on both sides. The Russians lack 4.35 miles in a straight line to "close" the cauldron, conducting 60 attacks per day - report analysts and Ukrainian military.
They started a coordinated offensive
With a high probability, Russia has begun a coordinated offensive on many fronts in eastern Ukraine, and this is likely the most significant offensive operation it has undertaken since at least January 2023 - the British Ministry of Defense reported on Tuesday.
In the daily intelligence update, it was reported that Russian forces are conducting a "complex armed offensive" on the heavily defended city of Avdiivka, which has been on the front line since 2014 and is a significant obstacle for Russian forces in achieving the broader goal of taking control over the Donetsk region.
The Russians are trying to surround the city
It has been indicated that the Russian attack is likely being carried out using multiple armored battalions, which are trying to surround the city, but well-entrenched Ukrainian forces are for now repelling Russian attacks, as a result of which Russian units are suffering heavy personnel and equipment losses.
"The slow progress and large losses have likely caused a change in message from Russia, from an offense to an 'active defense', as an effective takeover of Avdiivka seems less and less likely in the short term" - was written.
