by Stefan Korshak

Russian troops have successfully captured a stronghold of factories on the southeastern edge of Avdiivka, near the Yasynuvata-2 railway station, reports from both sides confirmed. The Ukrainian forces held these positions for over eight years until being outgunned by the superior Russian artillery, air power, and armored vehicles.

The offensive, which began in October, aimed to push Ukrainian troops away from Donetsk and put pressure on Kyiv to negotiate. The recent capture of nearly 90 percent of Avdiivka's southeastern industrial district by Russian infantry backed by tanks and heavy artillery has significantly weakened the Ukrainian defense.

Despite conflicting accounts from Ukrainian sources, reports indicate that Russian forces have gained control of the entire territory of the Avdiivka Coke and Chemical plant, as well as portions of an adjacent rail yard. The situation remains difficult for Ukrainian troops who are still holding their ground but are at risk of being encircled.

Avdiivka, located near Donetsk, has been a hotspot for conflict between Ukrainian and Russian-led forces since 2014. With the capture of the city's industrial district and the strategic slag heap dominating the surrounding flat terrain, the Russian Federation holds a significant advantage in this sector.

According to open source reports, Russian forces outnumber Ukrainian troops five to one and possess superior firepower, including artillery and air support. The weight of evidence suggests that Ukrainian troops lack sufficient anti-tank rockets and missiles to effectively defend themselves against Russian tanks approaching at close range.

Despite efforts by Ukraine's Western allies to arm their military with modern Western equipment, such as German Leopard 2 tanks and US-made Bradley infantry fighting vehicles, the ongoing Russian air superiority and shortages of howitzer ammunition hamper the effectiveness of these resources.

The situation on the ground remains intense, with heavy bombing, air strikes, and ground battles taking place amidst extreme weather conditions. Ukrainian troops inside Avdiivka report continuous attacks by the enemy, but assertions of holding their defense lines continue to be made.

As the Russian forces consolidate their gains, thousands of Ukrainian troops find themselves dug in throughout central Avdiivka, at the bottom of a narrowing terrain pocket. The city's southeastern edge now falls primarily under Russian control, posing a greater challenge for the Ukrainian defense.

The international community closely watches the developments in Avdiivka, with concerns growing over the humanitarian situation and the potential escalation of the conflict. Diplomatic efforts are underway to address the escalating tensions and find a resolution to the ongoing crisis.

In the face of Russian advancements, Ukrainian forces are determined to hold their ground, although the odds seem increasingly stacked against them. The battle for Avdiivka continues, with the Ukrainian troops defending their positions as the scope and intensity of the conflict unfold.

Stefan Korshak is the Kyiv Post Senior Defense Correspondent, with extensive experience reporting on conflicts in the former Soviet space. He brings a unique perspective, having patrolled in the Mariupol sector for the OSCE monitoring mission in Donbass. Stay updated with his insights on the Russo-Ukraine war on his blog on Facebook, Substack, or Medium.

Note: The article is generated based on the information provided, and additional details and developments may have occurred since the time of writing.