Russian forces make tactical gains in Donetsk despite challenges
Russian forces with moderate success continue their offensive in the Donetsk region west of Avdiivka. They have captured a couple of towns.
War in Ukraine: Follow the latest information in our live coverage
Analysts at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) think tank believe that Putin's army has likely made progress west of Avdiivka. Geolocated recordings indicate that they have captured the towns of Tonenke and Nevelske.
In addition, the Russians have moved forward in the vicinity of Velyka Novosilka, on the border of the Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia regions.
Russians fight without vehicles
Serhii Tsyhocki, an officer of the 59th Independent Motorized Infantry Brigade, reported on Espreso TV the course of the battle in the Avdiivka sector of the front in the Donetsk region. He stated that Putin's army has been attacking the positions of the Ukrainian army for three days in a row without the use of heavy armored vehicles.
“The occupiers continuously try to move forward. Every day they storm our positions in small groups. Typically, it’s only the infantry that attacks. Heavy armored vehicles haven’t been used in assaults for three consecutive days. This is due to weather conditions and the fact that we managed to prepare minefields. We have also succeeded in building defensive positions, which allows us to fight the enemy more effectively,” Tsyhocki described. He added that Russians conduct assaults even at night.
“They constantly try to storm our positions. For the second time in the last week, they attacked at night. They use outdated equipment. They gather equipment that was stored for decades, and they turn three faulty machines into one functional machine,” he added.
Source: Espreso/ISW
