UK intelligence says Ukrainian forces likely to partially drive Russian troops out of Stepove near Avdiivka − map
The Ukrainian Armed Forces have mounted successful local counterattacks during the fighting near the town of Avdiivka (Donetsk Oblast), UK intelligence has reported.
Source: UK Defence Intelligence review dated 11 December on Twitter, as reported by European Pravda
Quote: "Ukrainian units have likely conducted successful local counterattacks, denying Russian forces full control of the village of Stepove."
Details: This is reportedly where the Russians are attempting to launch one of their "pincer movement" attacks to encircle Avdiivka and its well-protected industrial area.
UK intelligence notes that Avdiivka has so far remained the scene of the most intense fighting on the contact line, with some days seeing around 40% of all combat activity in this small area.
"The Russian offensives have continued to be characterised by largely dismounted infantry assaults, often by Shtorm-Z penal units," the UK MoD stated.
Background:
- Earlier, the Estonian Defence Forces Intelligence Centre forecast that Russia would intensify its offensive against Ukraine in the next few weeks, regardless of the heavy losses it is suffering.
- In previous reviews, UK intelligence reported that a small advance near Avdiivka had cost the Russians huge losses.
- In a review in late November, UK Defence Intelligence noted that Russian occupying forces' casualties over a six-week period were the highest since they invaded Ukraine.
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