Oct 27 (Reuters) - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy revealed on Friday that Russian forces have suffered significant casualties in their attempts to advance on the eastern town of Avdiivka. The renewed offensive by Russia aimed to encircle the embattled town, utilizing constant artillery barrages and waves of troops and combat vehicles.

In a phone call with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, President Zelenskiy stated, "The invaders made several attempts to surround Avdiivka, but each time our soldiers stopped them and threw them back, causing painful losses. In these cases, the enemy lost at least a brigade." The exact size of the brigade was not specified, but it can range from 1,500 to 8,000 troops.

Both Russian and Ukrainian authorities keep the number of battlefield losses as a state secret. However, estimates suggest that the toll on both sides since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 is likely in the tens of thousands.

Russian military bloggers have reported territorial gains by Moscow's troops in the Avdiivka area, while Ukraine has described the situation as extremely challenging, with Russia deploying a significant number of forces for the assault.

Avdiivka, located approximately 25 km (16 miles) from Russian-occupied Donetsk, is completely surrounded by Russian-held territory on three sides, leaving only the west accessible for Ukrainian troops to resupply and evacuate residents. The town, home to a crucial coking plant, has been under attack since the conflict between Ukraine and Russian-backed forces began in 2014.

The Ukrainian General Staff provided a battlefield update on Friday, asserting that they are steadfastly defending the town and inflicting significant losses on Russian troops. They also reiterated their determination to prevent the encirclement of Avdiivka.

The Institute for the Study of War, an American non-profit research group, stated on Thursday that Russia has suffered heavy losses in equipment near Avdiivka, potentially undermining their offensive capabilities in the long term.

President Zelenskiy's revelation of the brigade losses demonstrates the intense fighting and resistance Ukrainian forces are encountering in their efforts to repel Russian aggression. The conflict near Avdiivka has become the focal point of the battlefield, with both sides struggling for control. The international community remains concerned about the humanitarian impact and the toll on civilian lives as the fighting continues.

Russia's aggressive actions and the Ukrainian military's resilient defense illustrate the ongoing volatility in the region, underscoring the urgent need for diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict and restore stability to Ukraine.