According to a spokesperson for Ukraine's Tavriisk group of forces, Russia has suffered significant losses in their efforts to gain control of the eastern Ukrainian city of Avdiivka. Colonel Oleksandr Shtupun stated that Moscow's forces have lost around 25,000 troops in the Donetsk region over the past two months, with 80 percent of these losses occurring in and around Avdiivka.

The clashes in the Donetsk region have escalated as Russia continues its campaign to seize Avdiivka. Since October 10, Russia has deployed thousands of troops, tanks, and armored vehicles in the area, which is considered the gateway to the city of Donetsk.

Both Russia and Ukraine have reportedly suffered heavy losses of troops and equipment in the ongoing conflict. A U.S. volunteer and retired U.S. Marine, who had participated in the war in Ukraine, mentioned that recovery teams in the region have found an unusually high number of Russian bodies, describing it as the most they have seen throughout the entire war.

While Newsweek has not been able to independently verify these claims, efforts have been made to reach out to Russia's Defense Ministry for comment.

Colonel Shtupun highlighted that the Russian military frequently forms new companies from degraded units to launch attacks near Avdiivka. However, the area still faces resistance from some well-trained and well-equipped Russian units, according to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), a U.S.-based think tank. The ISW stated that Russian forces reportedly made advancements near Avdiivka on Wednesday, although there are no confirmed changes in the front line at this time.

The ISW also mentioned that a Russian military blogger had claimed marginal advances southwest of Avdiivka near Pervomaiske. However, no visual evidence has been provided to support this claim.

The situation in Avdiivka remains highly volatile, with Russian and Ukrainian sources reporting attacks from both sides. The think tank noted that a Russian milblogger asserted that Ukrainian forces are counterattacking around Avdiivka.

As the conflict continues, Newsweek encourages readers to share any tips on world news stories or questions regarding the Russia-Ukraine war via worldnews@newsweek.com.