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<\/p>\nA senior Ukrainian officer revealed that Russian forces are relentlessly pounding the strategic town of Avdiivka “round the clock”, despite the city already being almost destroyed by fighting. The officer reported that Ukrainian forces have successfully fended off numerous Russian attacks across different sectors of the front.<\/p>\n
The Russian offensive on Avdiivka started in mid-October and has steadily increased in ferocity. Avdiivka holds significant importance as it serves as a crucial gateway to Donetsk city and other key areas in the east.<\/p>\n
Oleksandr Borodin, the press officer for Ukraine’s third separate assault brigade, highlighted the substantial scale of Russian infantry attacks. He noted that Moscow’s forces are not only advancing with infantry but also coordinating simultaneous efforts involving artillery, drones, aviation, and air bombings.<\/p>\n
Speaking to Espreso TV, Borodin said: “Their movements are quite dense now.”<\/p>\n
He stressed the multifaceted nature of the Russian assault. Despite the onslaught, he assured that Ukrainian positions remain resilient, and Russian forces are struggling to rapidly replenish their weapon stocks.<\/p>\n
Vitaliy Barabash, the head of Avdiivka’s military administration, also disclosed that Russian forces are relentlessly shelling the town “round the clock”. However, he pointed out that the boggy ground, saturated from days of rain, has hindered the attackers’ progress. Barabash expressed concern that once the ground dries, Russian forces are expected to make a renewed push forward.<\/p>\n
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The air defence of Kyiv “worked,” but “the anxiety continues”, Mayor Vitali Klitschko wrote this morning on his Telegram channel, referring to the powerful explosions reported earlier in the Ukrainian capital. “According to preliminary information, the anti-ballistic missile forces have worked. The anxiety persists. Stay in shelters,” read the message. He specified that the explosions “were heard on the left bank” of the Dnipro River, which runs through the city.<\/p>\n
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Air Force reported missile threat to the capital.<\/p>\n
This morning, powerful explosions were heard in Kyiv, as reported by the military administration of the Ukrainian capital. Meanwhile, the Air Force has indicated that the city may also be under the threat of missile strikes.<\/p>\n
In the Russian region of Tambov, a fire has erupted at a gunpowder factory in Kotovsk. Since the beginning of the war, Ukrainian forces have targeted Russian military, logistical, and infrastructural sites in the occupied territories and within Russia. Kyiv has not commented on the alleged attack, which is rare, although reports of Ukrainian attacks on Russian territory have increased since the summer of 2023. In June, a fire at the same factory resulted in the death of four people and the injury of twelve others. The regional governor later attributed the fire to human error and stated that it was not caused by an attack. The facility produces ammunition for the Russian military, including gunpowder for small arms cartridges. It is one of the largest industrial plants in Russia.<\/p>\n
Russian air defences intercepted two drones in the skies over the Moscow and Smolensk regions, as stated by the Russian Ministry of Defence. Residents of Kolomna, near Moscow, reported hearing explosions in the area. No casualties have been reported.<\/p>\n
Good morning from London. I\u2019m Alessandra Scotto di Santolo, I\u2019ll be bringing you all the latest developments on the war in Ukraine. Please feel free to get in touch with me as I work if you have a story or tips to share! Your thoughts are always welcome.<\/p>\n
Email: alessandra.scottodisantolo@reachplc.com<\/p>\n
X: @AleScotto<\/p>\n