Tunnels and three-pronged attack: British intelligence assessed situation in Avdiivka
Photo: Tunnels and three-pronged offensive. British intelligence analyzed the situation near Avdiivka (Getty Images)
Avdiivka remains a priority for Russian terrorists. The enemy is conducting a three-pronged offensive to encircle the city, reports British intelligence.
According to intelligence reports, Russia continues its advance on multiple fronts with the aim of capturing the Donbas region. On January 21, the enemy seized the town of Krokhmalne in the Kharkiv region, and on January 18, Vesele near Bakhmut, although it lacked strategic significance.
"Vesele had a pre-war population of 102 and Krokhmalne, 45. This represents a continuation of Russia’s minor incremental gains whilst Ukraine focuses on active defence," the intelligence reports.
Avdiivka remains the main priority
According to assessments, the enemy's primary focus continues to be Avdiivka. The enemy is conducting a three-pronged offensive with the aim of encircling the city from the south and north. Intense fighting is taking place on the outskirts of the eastern quarters of Avdiivka.
Meanwhile, the enemy has suffered significant losses in personnel and armored vehicles due to strikes by Ukrainian drones.
"Russian forces are reportedly attempting to bypass Ukrainian fortifications by entering the city edges via service tunnels; this is a method of infiltration they have been attempting since October 2023," the intelligence notes.
Ukrainian counterattacks are preventing the enemy from further advancing into the heart of the city. With the main supply route remaining intact and Ukrainian forces conducting localized counterattacks, it is likely that the city will remain under Ukrainian control in the coming weeks.
Battles for Avdiivka
Since the beginning of October, Russian soldiers have been actively storming the Avdiivka region, attempting to encircle and occupy the city.
Ukrainian defenders, meanwhile, are holding their ground and inflicting significant losses on the enemy. According to Kyrylo Budanov, the head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense, the losses of Russian occupiers in their attempts to capture Avdiivka have significantly increased recently, although specific figures were not disclosed.
For more details on the situation on the front lines, you can refer to this material.
