Near Avdiivka (Ukraine) - Ukrainian soldiers have reported that Russia is deploying "waves" of soldiers in its ongoing attempt to capture the strategically important city of Avdiivka on the eastern front lines. Despite suffering significant losses in troops and equipment, Russia shows no signs of backing down from its assault on the former coal hub.

According to a deputy of the Ukrainian battalion in the 47th mechanised brigade, who preferred to remain anonymous for security reasons, Russian forces are continuously launching attacks in an effort to exhaust the Ukrainian lines. The soldier described the fields around Avdiivka as "littered with corpses," illustrating the intensity of the fighting.

Avdiivka has endured relentless Russian artillery and aerial bombardments, making it one of the most heavily contested areas in the 21-month war. Ukrainian forces have made extensive efforts to fortify the city over the past nine years, constructing defenses and trenches to protect it.

The proximity of Avdiivka to Donetsk, the Russian-controlled capital of one of the regions claimed by Moscow, adds to its strategic value. Situated just five kilometers north of Donetsk, Avdiivka's capture would significantly alter the balance of power in the region.

In a shift of tactics, Russia has recently deployed large numbers of infantry soldiers in its assault on Avdiivka. Previously, Moscow had attempted encirclement with armored vehicles, but suffered heavy losses when they fell into minefields and were targeted by drones and anti-tank missiles. Now, Russian soldiers advance in small groups during the night, launching their attacks at dawn.

Ukraine has responded to these attacks with a barrage of heavy weaponry, including artillery, mortars, grenades, and drones. They have also utilized US-supplied Bradley Fighting Vehicles in their defense. However, Russian soldiers continue to advance, leading one Ukrainian soldier to compare it to a "zombie movie."

The battle for Avdiivka bears resemblance to Russia's campaign for Bakhmut earlier this year. In that instance, Russia deployed tens of thousands of men in "storm brigades," recruited mainly from prisons by Yevgeny Prigozhin's Wagner Group. The capture of Bakhmut was described as one of the bloodiest battles of the war, with Russia suffering losses exceeding 20,000.

Currently, Russian forces control territory to the south and east of Avdiivka, with Ukraine maintaining control over an eight-kilometer wide strip of land to the northwest. Russian forces have recently closed in on a coking plant in the northeast of the city, as well as the village of Stepove. These advances bring them within two kilometers of Berdychi, a small settlement that serves as the last Ukrainian-held access road into Avdiivka.

Deputy commander Oleksandr emphasized the importance of maintaining control over the access road and expressed confidence in Ukraine's ability to defend Avdiivka, stating, "There is no reason to withdraw and give up the city."

Ukraine's general staff reported that they repelled 30 separate Russian attacks within the past 24 hours alone. The battle for Avdiivka continues to rage on, with both sides locked in a grinding war that shows no signs of a decisive breakthrough.