Russian military efforts to capture Avdiivka, a key Ukrainian industrial town, have intensified, as reported by the town’s mayor.
This development marks an escalation in a campaign that began in October, with Moscow undertaking a substantial operation to take control of Avdiivka, a town embroiled in conflict since 2014 and briefly occupied by Moscow-supported separatists.
Mayor Vitaly Barabash describes the situation as dire, with Russian forces applying pressure from every direction, leaving no part of the city untouched by conflict. The assault involves many troops, signalling Russia’s determination to achieve a significant victory.
The objective is particularly pressing as Russia approaches the second anniversary of its full-scale invasion of Ukraine and its presidential election in March. Avdiivka, located in the contested Donetsk region—which the Kremlin controversially claims as part of Russia—faces severe challenges, with the mayor characterizing the combat as intensely fierce and the conditions as nearly unbearable.
The town’s population has dwindled to fewer than 950 residents from an estimated 33,000 before the war, highlighting the severe impact of the ongoing conflict.
