The Russian offensive was unsuccessful. The Ukrainian defense in Avdijivka is holding, the commander claims

Ukrainian troops are still holding defenses in the Avdijivka sector. The Russian offensive in the areas of Novokalynove, Avdijivka, Opytne and Pervomajske was unsuccessful. This follows from the statement of the commander of the Ukrainian group of forces, Oleksandr Tarnavsky, on the Telegram communication platform. Russian troops have been trying to capture the city near Donetsk since around mid-October. In the last 24 hours, Russian losses amount to 381 people.

The Russians carried out 37 raids and conducted 39 combat actions in the Avdijivka area. They also fired over a thousand artillery rockets. “Our troops are steadfastly holding the defense in the Avdijivka sector. The enemy’s offensive in the areas of Novokalynove, Avdijivka, Opytne and Pervomajsk was unsuccessful,” wrote the commander of the Southern Army Group, Colonel General Oleksandr Tarnavskyj.

According to the Ukrainian side, the total losses of Russian losses in the Avdijivka sector amounted to 381 people, five soldiers surrendered. Information cannot be independently verified in the conditions of a military conflict. According to Tarnavský, the Russians also lost 32 pieces of military equipment. Specifically, it is supposed to be two tanks, four armored personnel carriers, five artillery systems, one anti-tank guided missile system, 14 unmanned aircraft, nine vehicles and four pieces of special equipment.

The Russians launched their offensive near Avdijivka around October 10. However, according to Western analysts and commentators, they are not very successful yet. White House security spokesman John Kirby said on Thursday that according to his information, the Russians have already lost at least 125 armored personnel carriers near Avdijivka since October 11. The American Institute for the Study of War (ISW) said in its analysis that satellite images confirm the loss of at least 109 armored personnel carriers on the Russian side between October 10 and 20.

Avdijivka is often referred to as the gateway to Donetsk, which is located nearby and is occupied by the Russians. According to an earlier assessment by the BBC, the capture of Avdijivka would allow Russia to advance the front and make it more difficult for the Ukrainians to retake Donetsk.

According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi, the Russian army lost at least a brigade of soldiers during an attempt to encircle the city. “The occupiers made several attempts to surround Avdijivka, but each time our soldiers stopped them and pushed them back, inflicting painful losses on them. During these attempts, the enemy lost at least a brigade,” the Ukrainian presidential office quoted Zelensky as saying.