Over the last week, russian forces have continued attacks towards outlying villages of the contested town of Avdiivka, Donetsk region. Russia is almost certainly attempting a pincer movement to encircle the town. Avdiivka has been fought over for nearly a decade and holds political importance to russia given its proximity to Donetsk city, the UK Defense Intelligence reports.
Recent advances have likely brought russian forces close to the Ukrainian-held Avdiivka Coke and Chemical Plant, a sprawling industrial complex which produces coke and a variety of chemicals, occupies a key tactical position to the north of the town. The plant dominates the main road into Avdiivka and, if russian forces were to secure it, resupplying the town would become increasingly difficult for Ukraine.
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However, the industrial facility provides Ukraine with a localized defensive advantage and russian forces will probably suffer significant personnel losses if they attempt to assault the facility.
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