In an ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, Russian forces have intensified their efforts to contain a Ukrainian counteroffensive in the town of Avdiivka. Additionally, they have increased shelling in the southern area of Kherson. These actions come as Russia focuses on consolidating its control over the industrial east, following a failed advance on Kyiv in the early stages of the invasion in February 2022.

The General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces reported that Ukrainian forces successfully repelled nearly 20 Russian attacks near Avdiivka, a town that has been heavily damaged during the conflict. Russian air strikes were also reported in nearby villages, further escalating tensions in the region.

Avdiivka holds significant strategic value as it is viewed as the gateway to recapturing the Russian-held city of Donetsk and the broader Donbas region. The town was briefly seized by Russian-backed separatists in 2014 but was later retaken by Ukrainian forces who fortified their positions over the years.

Andriy Yusov, spokesperson for the Ukraine Defence Ministry's Intelligence Directorate, emphasized that this recent escalation is not the first time that occupying forces have expressed intentions to control Donetsk and Luhansk. However, their plans have consistently failed, and their deadlines have been postponed. Despite the intense pressure, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy expressed confidence in the resilience of Ukrainian forces, stating that their positions in Avdiivka and the nearby town of Maryinka are being held.

While Russian military accounts did not mention Avdiivka specifically, they highlighted successful operations against Ukrainian positions in the eastern town of Bakhmut, which was seized by Moscow in May after months of fighting.

In the region of Kherson, several villages and important sites, including transport and food production facilities, have been targeted by Russian shelling. Russian forces have been routinely shelling Kherson and areas on the western bank of the Dnipro River from positions on the eastern bank since retreating from the region last year.

Recent reports suggest that Ukrainian forces have crossed the Dnipro River to establish new positions and actively pursue Russian forces, according to the U.S.-based Institute for the Study of War.

As the conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues, the situation remains tense in Avdiivka and Kherson. The relentless pressure on these areas highlights the ongoing struggle for control in eastern Ukraine and the determination of both sides to advance their respective positions.