In a recent update by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), it has been reported that Ukrainian and Russian troops are engaged in ongoing battle operations in eastern and southern Ukraine. The ISW highlighted the impact of the rainy weather, which is significantly slowing down the pace of combat operations. However, both sides are expected to intensify their activities once winter conditions fully set in.

The ISW cited a Russian military blogger who claimed that Ukrainian troops are successfully defending against a strong group of Russian forces near Avdiivka in Donetsk Oblast. Additionally, Ukrainian forces are maintaining the initiative in southern Ukraine, as observed by another Russian military blogger. However, poor weather conditions in western Zaporizhzhia Oblast are hindering the use of armored vehicles by Ukrainian forces, although they are continuing to mount attacks on Russian positions with infantry units.

As of November 18, the U.K.'s Ministry of Defense has assessed that neither side has made substantial progress in the Kupiansk and Avdiivka directions, or the east bank of Kherson Oblast, where the most intense battles are taking place. The ministry also acknowledged that with the onset of colder winter weather, major changes on the front lines are less likely in the immediate future.

Ukrainian military officials anticipate that Russia will launch a third wave of assaults on Avdiivka. The ISW predicts that the freezing weather conditions during winter will prompt the resumption of more active combat operations. Despite the ongoing rainy weather, both Ukrainian and Russian forces are expected to continue their attacks.

In light of the challenging circumstances, the Kyiv Independent, a local news outlet, has been working tirelessly to provide independent and locally-sourced news from Ukraine. The outlet is calling on readers to consider supporting their efforts to bring accurate and comprehensive coverage of the events unfolding in the country.

As the battle operations continue between Ukrainian and Russian troops, the region remains gripped by uncertainty and the potential for further escalation. The inclement weather conditions are posing additional challenges, but it seems that neither side is deterred from their strategic objectives. The international community closely watches the developments in Ukraine, hoping for a resolution to the conflict and a path towards lasting peace.