In a development in the ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine, Russian forces have reportedly eased attacks on the besieged town of Avdiivka. Unofficial reports from the region suggest that Russian troops may have failed to capture the devastated town of Maryinka to the southwest.
Since mid-October, Russia’s military has been concentrating its efforts on seizing Avdiivka and its substantial coking plant. The strategic importance of the town has been a focal point for both sides, with conflicting reports emerging about its status.
Earlier Russian reports indicated that Moscow’s troops had gained control of Maryinka, a town engulfed in fighting for over a year. However, unofficial Ukrainian sources countered these claims, stating that their forces still held some districts in Maryinka.
Ukrainian military spokesperson Oleksandr Shtupun provided an update, stating that Russian attacks on Avdiivka had reduced over the past 24 hours due to heavy losses. Shtupun affirmed Ukrainian control over the coking plant, adding, “Enemy forces are trying to make their way inside, but are suffering losses in infantry and equipment.”
The situation in Avdiivka remained intense, particularly in the “industrial zone” outside the town center. Conflicting reports emerged about the control of this area, with some sources suggesting it had fallen under Russian control.
Vitaliy Barabash, head of Avdiivka’s military administration, expressed concern about the town’s condition, likening it to Maryinka, which he described as a settlement “that basically no longer exists. It has been razed to its foundations.”
While there were no official Ukrainian reports on Maryinka, military analyst Oleh Zhdanov rejected claims of its complete capture by Russian forces. Zhdanov clarified that Ukrainian forces retained control over certain parts of the town.
Despite some unofficial reports showcasing Russian flags in Maryinka, the Russian Defence Ministry made no official mention of the town. The situation remains complex and fluid, with conflicting narratives from both sides.
In a broader context, Ukrainian forces continue to face Russian offensives in various regions. Volodymyr Fitio, another Ukrainian spokesperson, reported that Kyiv’s forces repelled 21 Russian attacks in areas surrounding Bakhmut. The counteroffensive launched by Ukrainian forces in June has focused on recapturing occupied villages in the east and south, though progress has been slower than initially desired, as acknowledged by President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.
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