CNN: New military leadership faces continued Russian pressure in Ukraine
As the second anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine approaches, Ukrainian soldiers find themselves on the defensive across the eastern front line. The situation is dire with a series of reports on social media and national television painting a picture of Russian forces throwing large numbers of men into battle and intensifying their use of drones.
The city of Avdiivka, northwest of Donetsk, has been the scene of some of the heaviest fighting as Russian forces moved toward the city center. DeepState mapping site shows Russian advances and artillery locks in just north of the city station. Commander Oleksandr Tarnavskyi continues to bring supplies into the city while rotating new fighters into the battle, but Russian forces may be closing in on the main supply route.
The 59th Separate Motorized Infantry Brigade reported large numbers of Russian troops being deployed to battle, with reports of 70 bombs being dropped from Russian unmanned aerial vehicles on brigade positions. Both sides are locked in technological competition, developing increasingly sophisticated drones and refining jamming capabilities aimed at disabling incoming UAVs.
Russian military bloggers report slow but steady advances by Russian forces in Avdiivka, but key locations, like the massive plant in the city’s northwest corner, remain in Ukrainian hands. Avdiivka has taken on increasing symbolic importance as Russian forces close in on the city, particularly going into the elections.
New army chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, who was appointed Thursday, faces the tough challenge of addressing the battle in Avdiivka and throughout the country. Ukraine’s political leaders are urging a plan to avoid “stalemate” on the battlefield, but with a new draft law mobilization making its way into parliament, Syrskyi’s strategy will be under watchful scrutiny. Evidence continues to suggest that the increased number of Russian troops is making a difference on the front lines.
In the areas east of Kupiansk and the Oskil River, the presence of Russian forces is pressing. Army spokesmen also reported that the town of Chasiv Yar, west of Bakhmut, is under heavy pressure from Russian forces and urgent requests for more ammunition. The situation is critical with low ammunition stocks being keenly felt on the front lines.