Ukrainian troops are now “encircled” and have run out of ammunition and the General has admitted it is a lot “tougher” now as Russian soldiers are “ready to storm” a key town.
Russian troops are advancing from “all directions” at the key town of Avdiivka in the eastern part of Ukraine.
The advances on the town of Avdivika “represents one of the greatest Russian gains since spring 2023.”
Vitaliy Barabash, head of Avdiivka’s military administration, told Espreso TV, “Things in the Avdiivka sector have become even tougher.
“The intensity of clashes has been increasing for some time.
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“The Russians have opened up two more sectors from which they have begun making assaults – in the direction of Donetsk and in the so-called industrial zone.
“The enemy is attempting to storm the city from all directions.”
The British Ministry of Defence (MoD) warned that the Russian advances are forming an attempt to surround Ukrainian troops in the Donbas town of Avdiivka.
The MoD said on Tuesday in their latest intelligence briefing, “In recent days, Russian forces have made further small advances on the northern axis of a pincer movement as part of their attempt to surround the Donbas town of Avdiivka.
“Since the start of October 2023, Russian forces have moved the front line forwards up to 2 km in this area.
“Although modest, this advance likely represents one of the greatest Russian gains since spring 2023.
“It has cost the units involved thousands of casualties.”
The MoD report added, “This operation is gradually bringing Russian troops closer to Avdiivka Coke and Chemical plant, where Ukrainian forces maintain one of their main defensive positions.
“Although Avdiivka has become a salient or bulge in the Ukrainian front line, Ukraine remains in control of a corridor of territory approximately 7km wide, through which it continues to supply the town.”
Michael Kofman, a senior fellow at the Washington-based Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, warned that the “advantages in 2024” are on Russia’s side.
Speaking to The Wall Street Journal, Kofman said, “The material advantages in 2024 are principally on Russia’s side, but they don’t appear decisive enough that Russia will be able to achieve its political aims.
“It’s inaccurate to suggest that Russia is winning the war.
“However, if the right choices are not made next year on Ukraine’s approach and Western resourcing, then Ukraine’s prospects for success look dim.”
