In the ongoing conflict in Eastern Ukraine, Russian forces have reportedly altered their strategy, now employing smaller, more agile attack groups. These groups are supported by armored united and air cover in a significant campaign to seize control of the city of Avdiivka, as stated by Ukrainian military officials. The Ukrainian General Staff, in its latest update, revealed that their troops “bravely defended against numerous attacks in Avdiivka” and the surrounding villages. The Staff also reported a total of 34 Russian attacks by the afternoon, followed by an additional 15 repelled attacks by evening.
Deadly engagements were also reported in Stepove, a small town north of Avdiivka. Here, Ukrainian forces, particularly a unit equipped with M2A2 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFV) from the 47th Mechanized Brigade, actively engaged against Russian positions. The Bradleys, armed with 25 mm M242 Bushmaster cannons, played a crucial role in targeting enemy forces on the eastern front of Avdiivka. Footage of the Bradley’s action has also been made available.
Heavy fighting continues in the small town of Stepove, north of Avdiivka.
— OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) December 7, 2023
Seen here, a Ukrainian M2A2 Bradley IFV from the 47th Mechanized pumps 25mm M242 Bushmaster fire into Russian positions on the eastern edge of the town. pic.twitter.com/7eygq9detd
Andriy Kovalev, a spokesperson for the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, spoke to the state-run “United News,” emphasizing the persistence of Ukrainian soldiers on the Avdiivka front. According to Kovalev, the Ukrainian forces not only held their ground against attempts to encircle the city but also successfully repelled more than 30 attacks in strategic areas such as Novobakhmutivka, Avdiivka, and south of Tonenke and Pervomaiskyi in the Donetsk region. He highlighted that the Ukrainian defense has inflicted significant losses on the Russian Forces.
Further information on the situation was provided by Serhiy Tsehotskyi, an officer of the 59th Brigade of Ukraine, who reported very strong attacks by Russian troops in Avdiivka. He mentioned that the Russians are using a large number of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for both reconnaissance and strike purposes, continuously increasing the pressure. The situation in Eastern Ukraine remains fluid, with both sides engaged in fierce battles for control, primarily around the areas of Bakhmut and Donetsk
