Russia is rapidly seeking to gain control of the Donbass front.
(Baonghean.vn) - In recent days, fierce fighting has taken place in the city of Avdeevka, located in eastern Ukraine, specifically in the Donbass region. The Ukrainian Armed Forces are caught in a "cauldron of fire". Like Bakhmut, Avdeevka plays a very significant role in the success or failure of Russia's special military operation.
After months of slow and unsuccessful counterattacks by the Ukrainian Armed Forces, the Russian army began a relentless offensive starting on October 9th. In particular, they focused on the frontline town of Avdeevka, a heavily fortified Ukrainian stronghold located north of Donetsk.
Avdeevka has also been a heavily fortified stronghold for the Ukrainian Armed Forces for the past eight years. From this city, the Ukrainian Armed Forces have shelled and bombarded the peaceful residential areas of Donetsk, killing thousands of civilians.
Russia launched a fierce offensive on Avdeevka on October 10th. To date, fighting has been ongoing for five days, and Avdeevka is currently surrounded on three sides. The Ukrainian Armed Forces are enduring attacks from incredibly destructive weapons such as the TOS-1A Solntsepek heavy flamethrower system, FAB-500 and FAB-1500 heavy bombs, and UMPCs.
According to Ria Novosti, the goal of this Russian offensive was to completely cut off the supply lines to Avdeevka. However, the Russian army did not directly attack the Avdeevka stronghold, but simply destroyed Ukrainian targets within the city, leveling them and encircling Ukrainian armed forces on both flanks.
Observers assess that, while the Bakhmut front was previously described as a "meat grinder," Avdeevka is now being described as a "boiler." Currently, the city is under intense fire from the Russian Armed Forces, as well as from the western supply routes to the Ukrainian garrison.
The Economist quoted Alexander Shtupun, press secretary of the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, as saying: "The Russian Armed Forces have launched one of the largest offensives since last spring. Russia is seeing an opportunity in Avdeevka to achieve a significant victory and reverse the course of the war."
The Economist suggests it's too early to assess whether this will become the focus of a new offensive by the Russian Armed Forces. However, it's certain that Russia has allocated significant resources to this attack. Ukrainian officials claim that up to three battalions have been deployed to Avdeevka. They are supported by tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, and precision-guided bombers. The head of the Ukrainian President's office, Andrei Ermak, wrote on Twitter: "The Russians have put a lot of effort in this direction. They are betting on Avdeevka."
Meanwhile, President Volodymyr Zelensky wrote on Telegram: "Avdeevka. We are standing our ground. It is the courage and unity of the Ukrainian people that will decide how this war will end."
The loss of Avdeevka will be a major blow to the morale of the Ukrainian forces. Like Bakhmut, Avdeevka had become a symbol of the Ukrainian resistance.
The Economist suggests that the fighting for control of the Avdeevka coke plant and ash storage area in the coming days could be difficult and fierce. Regardless of whether Avdeevka falls under Russian control, the battle will still have a negative impact on Ukraine's ongoing counteroffensive in the south, which has slowed down since August.
Western officials do not believe that the battle lines will change significantly before winter arrives. If Ukraine needs to reinforce the Avdeevka front, it may have to transfer some forces currently fighting south of Orekhovo to it. And this would reduce the chances of a breakthrough before winter begins.
