Ukrainian defenders successfully counterattack near Avdiivka - UK Intelligence
Ukrainian Armed Forces conduct successful local counterattacks near Avdiivka (Getty Images)
Avdiivka remains the scene of the fiercest fighting on the frontline. The Ukrainian military conducted a series of localized counterattacks near Stepove in the Avdiivka direction, according to the UK Ministry of Defense.
According to official data released by Ukraine, on some days, about 40 percent of all combat clashes took place in the Avdiivka direction.
Russian assaults are mostly characterized by infantry attacks. Most of the assaults are carried out by Storm-Z units.
UK intelligence says that Ukrainian forces conducted a series of successful counterattacks near Stepove.
"Ukrainian units have likely conducted successful local counterattacks, denying Russian forces full control of the village of Stepove. It is here that Russia is attempting one part of a pincer movement to envelop Avdiivka and its heavily defended industrial zone," the report says.
Fighting for Avdiivka
In early October, Russians intensified fighting in the Avdiivka area. This offensive is considered the largest since 2014.
According to the Ukrainian command, Russian losses in Avdiivka are higher than in Bakhmut. According to preliminary data, the occupiers lost more than 10 thousand soldiers there.
The Ukrainian military explained that the occupiers would not be able to capture Avdiivka unless they took the territory of the Avdiivka Coke Plant. The plant is currently controlled by the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
As of the morning of December 9, more than 1,200 people remain in Avdiivka, with logistics to the city remaining the biggest problem.
