London: Russia makes ‘creeping’ progress on Avdiivka
According to British estimates, the Russian army is making gradual advances in the embattled city of Avdiivka in eastern Ukraine. The Ministry of Defense in London said on Monday, citing secret service findings, that its units had made “creeping gains” in the past three weeks. The situation is similar to the situation around the city of Bakhmut further north. “Ukrainian forces continue their organized defense, but their westward supply routes are increasingly threatened by the Russian encirclement attack.”
Above all, the extensive area of the coking plant is a key in the defense of the city, it was said in London. On the Russian side, units from the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic, which know the area well, are bearing the brunt of the attacks. Located just north of the major city of Donetsk, Avdiivka has been a frontline city since the start of the Donbass struggle in 2014. According to the ministry, the city has now been largely destroyed.
The British Ministry of Defense has published daily updates on the course of the war since the start of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, citing intelligence information. In doing so, the British government wants to both counter the Russian portrayal and keep allies in line. Moscow accuses London of a disinformation campaign.