The Russian military continues its offensive front toward Avdiivka, an industrial town in eastern Ukraine, according to the latest reports from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW). After several weeks of brutal fighting, Russia has made confirmed gains near the town, causing concern among Ukrainian forces.

The village of Avdiivka is strategically important as it serves as a gateway between Kyiv's military and the Russian-occupied territories in eastern Ukraine. Moscow has been determined to capture the town, despite the heavy price it has paid in terms of casualties and lost equipment.

Recent assessments by the ISW reveal that Russia is slowly but steadily advancing towards Avdiivka. Geolocated footage confirms marginal advancements southeast of the village on Tuesday. These gains were credited to the Kremlin's deployment of armored vehicles to the frontlines, compensating for the losses of tanks and military equipment incurred since the offensive began on October 10.

A map compiled by the ISW demonstrates the notable advances Russia has made in the vicinity of Avdiivka over the past few days. Moscow's troops are gradually encircling the city, posing a formidable threat to Ukrainian forces. The think tank previously reported minor advances northwest and southeast of Avdiivka over the weekend.

The Ukrainian General Staff reported that Ukraine's forces successfully repelled Russian attacks coming from the north, northwest, and south of Avdiivka, as declared on their Facebook page. Ukrainian military observer Kostyantyn Mashovets, quoted by the ISW, reported unsuccessful Russian attacks southwest of Avdiivka.

Oleksandr Tarnavsky, the Ukrainian commander in charge of the Avdiivka area, confirmed that Russia has significantly increased its activity in the past 24 hours. Agence France-Presse reported Tarnavsky stating that Russia deployed armored vehicles and conducted around 20 airstrikes, 56 assault waves, and four missile attacks on Ukrainian troops along the front lines. However, Tarnavsky emphasized that Kyiv's forces are firmly holding the line along the Avdiivka front.

According to Ukraine army spokesperson Oleksandr Shutpun, Russia has intensified its artillery fire and airstrikes in the area and has also stepped up ground infantry attacks, utilizing armored vehicles.

Meanwhile, Russian forces attempted unsuccessful offensive operations west and southwest of Donetsk City, as depicted on the ISW's map. Donetsk, located less than 10 miles south of Avdiivka, remains under Russian occupation along with the surrounding region.

The Ukrainian General Staff disclosed on Facebook that Kyiv's forces repelled six Russian attacks near Donetsk in the past day. Additionally, 10 settlements in the area experienced heavy artillery and mortar fire from Russia.

As the fighting intensifies near Avdiivka and Donetsk, the situation remains tense. The Ukrainian forces are determined to hold their ground against the advancing Russian troops, while Russia continues its aggressive advances in an attempt to assert control over the region. The international community closely watches the developments as the conflict shows no signs of abating.