Ukraine says Russia tightens siege around 'second Bakhmut'

The Ukrainian military says Russia is surrounding Avdeevka from three sides and is building up forces to attack the strategic city.

Anton Kotsukon, spokesman for the 110th Independent Mechanized Brigade of Ukraine, said today that Russia is deploying a large number of troops north, south and east of the city of Avdeevka in Donetsk region.

"The enemy is amassing reserves. They have mobilized 40,000 more troops and all kinds of ammunition here. They are also playing a cat-and-mouse game, using a huge number of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) combined with artillery to define the city's defense lines. There are no signs that the Russian army has abandoned its plan to encircle Avdeevka," the Ukrainian officer said.

General Oleksandr Tarnavsky, commander of Ukraine's counter-offensive in the south, said troops in Avdeevka were "firmly holding their line of defence".

Smoke rises from the direction of the city of Avdeevka in October. Photo: Reuters

Local officials believe the Russians are holding back their forces, waiting for favorable conditions after a week of heavy rains. "The third offensive has not yet begun, but they are preparing. Weather conditions have become suitable in the last two days," said Vitaliy Barabash, head of the Avdeevka military agency.

Russian officials have not commented on the information.

Avdeevka is a key town north of the capital of Donetsk Oblast, with a population of around 30,000 before the fighting began, but now has just 1,500 residents. The city is currently controlled by Ukraine and has been one of the targets of Russian attacks in the region.

Ukraine sees Avdeevka as a gateway for any future eastward offensive, as it is only about 20 km from the Russian-controlled city of Donetsk. Meanwhile, some Ukrainian analysts believe that the battle for Avdeevka is purely political and does not bring much benefit to Moscow.

Hotspots of fighting in Kharkiv province and Donbass region. Graphics: RYV

The Ukrainian army has been strengthening its defenses in Avdeevka since 2014 after fighting with separatist militias in Donetsk Oblast. However, representatives of the Ukrainian combat group in Avdeevka have repeatedly admitted that Russia is trying to encircle the city and that it could become a "second Bakhmut".

Kiev deployed the 47th Independent Mechanized Brigade, the unit known as the "iron fist" of the Ukrainian army, to reinforce Avdeevka in mid-October. Ukrainian units can now only approach the city from the west.

Vu Anh (According to Reuters )

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