The Russian forces have been steadily advancing in eastern Ukraine for five weeks now, ever since the fall of Avdiivka. The Russian command has been moving reservists from other parts of the front to maintain their momentum.
By Saturday, the villages of Tonenke and Nevelske, west of Avdiivka, had fallen to the Russian advance. Orlivka was claimed three days later, and Russian forces were slowly taking over the village of Berdychi.
Ukrainian commander-in-chief, Oleksandr Syrskyii, stated that the enemy was focusing its efforts on breaking through the defense of the Ukrainian troops in the Avdiivka area. Dmytro Kukharchuk, a Ukrainian battalion commander, mentioned that Russian troops were trying to overpower them with a 10-to-1 advantage.
Despite the Russian advances, Ukrainian forces were able to slow down the enemy’s progress and inflict significant losses on them. The Russian attacks extended beyond Avdiivka, with operations intensifying in other regions like Verbove, Synkivka, and even targeting civilians with drones and missiles.
Ukraine also retaliated by targeting Russian oil infrastructure, causing significant damage to multiple oil refineries in different regions of Russia. This strategy aimed to make Russians feel the consequences of the war initiated by their government.
In addition to the military confrontation, there were reports of paramilitary groups launching cross-border incursions from both sides. Russia expressed openness to negotiations for peace, but their demands of unconditional surrender and other extreme terms were met with fierce opposition from Ukraine.
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine continued to escalate, with both sides engaging in aggressive tactics on multiple fronts.