In the eastern Ukrainian town of Avdiivka, certain areas are facing a "critical" situation as they continue to fend off Russian shelling and incursions, according to a local official. Vitaliy Barabash, head of the town's military administration, stated on Tuesday that while the situation was previously difficult but under control, it has now become even more challenging.

Russia initiated a renewed offensive to capture Avdiivka in October, positioning their troops on three sides of the town and bombarding it with relentless artillery strikes in an attempt to force a Ukrainian withdrawal. The intensity of these attacks has caused Avdiivka's condition to deteriorate, with some areas now being classified as critical.

Barabash emphasized that despite these challenges, the situation does not signify complete loss or extreme despair. However, he highlighted that the enemy is deploying a significant number of forces towards the town, making the defense efforts even more demanding.

Russian President Vladimir Putin recently claimed that his troops have gained ground on the outskirts of Avdiivka and have successfully breached Ukrainian defenses in certain areas. However, Barabash clarified that there are currently no street fights in the city itself. Instead, there are isolated incidents involving sabotage and reconnaissance groups attempting to infiltrate the town.

Avdiivka is strategically located five kilometers (three miles) away from Donetsk, a stronghold controlled by Russia. As the town remains under constant threat and capturing it would constitute a significant victory for Russia, tensions continue to escalate as the second anniversary of Russia's offensive approaches. Furthermore, Russia is set to hold a presidential election in March.

The situation in Avdiivka remains fluid and highly volatile, with Ukrainian forces desperately trying to repel Russian incursions. The ongoing aggression highlights the severe consequences faced by the town's residents, who find themselves caught in the midst of a conflict that threatens their safety and stability.

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