Ukrainian Forces Successfully Repel Russian Offensive Near Avdiivka, Inflict Major Losses
In a significant development in the ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine, Ukrainian forces have successfully repelled a Russian offensive near the town of Avdiivka. According to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), Russian forces launched an assault on Avdiivka, located just north of the Russian-held city of Donetsk.
Although the Russian forces made marginal gains northwest of Avdiivka, Ukrainian soldiers stood their ground and inflicted major losses on the enemy. The Ukrainian General Staff reported that Russian forces lost 50 tanks, 100 armored vehicles, and 900 personnel during the attacks on Avdiivka on October 19.
Despite the Russian aggression, Ukrainian military officials noted that the pace of offensive operations near Avdiivka decreased on October 21. This is an encouraging sign for the Ukrainian forces, who have been valiantly defending their positions. The ISW’s latest campaign assessment also revealed a slight increase in claimed Russian control around Avdiivka.
Avdiivka holds strategic importance as it sits atop a hill, providing a vantage point for defending the city of Donetsk. Russian troops have been pouring into the area in an effort to gain control of Avdiivka. The ISW’s analysis suggests that despite significant losses and the generally low quality of Russian forces involved in the offensive, Moscow’s commanders continue to prioritize this territory.
Russian forces have been relying on unmanned aerial systems, artillery, and aviation to compensate for their ineffective infantry and tactics. These costly tactics have resulted in high personnel and vehicle losses for Russia, as observed during the multiple waves of attacks on Avdiivka over the past week.
The flawed offensive on Avdiivka has had devastating effects on Russia’s armed forces. The United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defense reported a 90 percent increase in personnel losses recorded by Ukraine’s military. Colonel Oleksandr Shtupun, a spokesman for Ukraine’s Tavria group of forces responsible for Avdiivka, revealed that around 800 Russian troops were dying per day during the initial phase of the offensive. He estimated that Russia had lost 3,000 soldiers and 61 tanks in just five days.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the Kremlin’s forces have suffered between 150,000 and 190,000 permanent casualties, accounting for both killed and wounded personnel unable to serve, according to the MoD.
The situation in eastern Ukraine remains fluid, with the conflict on the brink of escalation. However, the successful defense of Avdiivka by Ukrainian forces is a significant setback for the Russian offensive. As the international community closely monitors the developments, it is crucial to seek a peaceful resolution and prevent further loss of life in this protracted conflict.
