Ukraine – Avdiivka

Russian forces intensified their attacks in eastern Ukraine on Wednesday in an effort to secure territorial advantages by the end of the year. The offensive has been confirmed by both the Russian and Ukrainian Governments. The number of Russian soldiers killed during the offensive is probably the largest of the entire war, according to British intelligence. Although the front line is largely where it has been throughout 2023, the fighting is particularly intense at Avdiivka. The city is surrounded by Russian forces. Thousands of Russian soldiers have been deployed in the battle for the strategically important city, which has almost been destroyed. Russia launched a new attempt to capture the city from Ukrainian forces last month. The Russians have made advances, but they are small and they are suffering enormous losses. /ritzau/AFP/