In a significant turn of events, the Russian forces have suffered heavy losses in their attempted assault on the Ukrainian stronghold of Avdiivka in eastern Ukraine's Donbas region. The assault, launched on October 10 by the Russian 2nd Combined Arms Army and separatist forces from the Donetsk People's Republic, aimed to regain momentum in the ongoing conflict. However, their efforts have been met with fierce resistance from the Ukrainian army, resulting in significant setbacks for the Russian forces.

For two weeks straight, the Russian troops faced a relentless barrage of attacks from Ukrainian drones and artillery. The intense fighting led to the destruction of over a hundred armored vehicles, along with potentially thousands of dead and injured Russian soldiers. The scale of losses incurred by the Russians matches the previous failed attempts during the Siversky Donets River crossing in May 2022 and the assault on the Ukrainian garrison in Vuhledar six months later.

According to Frontelligence Insight, a Ukrainian analysis team, Russia has lost approximately a brigade-sized force within a week and a half. This loss accounts for nearly a third of the troops and equipment initially committed by the 2nd Combined Arms Army for the assault on Avdiivka.

In contrast, the Ukrainian garrison has managed to maintain its defensive positions with minimal losses, except for a few vehicles. However, the infantry's casualties could be relatively higher due to intense close-quarter combat. Ukrainian soldier and filmmaker Oleg Sentsov described one harrowing encounter, stating, "The orcs were pushing wave after wave of infantry and armored groups, which were largely destroyed by our artillery, drones, and a tank."

Despite their setbacks, the Russian forces were equipped with modern weaponry, including T-80 tanks, BMP-2 IFVs, and BTR-82 APCs. They also had significant close air support, employing powerful glide-bombs in airstrikes on Ukrainian positions. However, the Ukrainian army's fortified defensive positions, explosives-laden drones, mines, and cluster munitions have proven to be formidable obstacles for the Russian forces.

The Ukrainian garrison's resolute resistance has prevented the Russians from achieving significant success in their offensive actions. Conflict Intelligence Team reported that the Ukrainians have not only managed to hold their defensive positions but have also refrained from launching their own counteroffensives. This suggests that the Ukrainian army is focused on repelling the assault on Avdiivka and not diverting its resources from the ongoing counteroffensive in the southern front.

While the situation in Avdiivka remains challenging, the Ukrainians have reinforced their defenses with elements from the 47th Mechanized Brigade based in the south. The Ukrainian army relies on a combination of drones, mines, and artillery to deter the Russian assaults. This unexpected level of resistance has caught the Russians off guard, as Frontelligence Insight explains, "The resistance and skills exhibited by Ukrainian defenders have proven to be far more formidable than the Russians had anticipated in their plans."

The battle for Avdiivka is far from over, as the Russian 2nd Combined Arms Army has received reinforcements and continues to press its attacks. The situation remains fluid, with both sides locked in a fierce struggle for control. The Ukrainian garrison's determination and strategic defenses present a significant challenge for the Russian forces, raising doubts about the success of their assault on Avdiivka.

As the conflict unfolds, the international community closely watches the developments in eastern Ukraine, hoping for a resolution that brings stability to the region and prevents further escalation of violence.