Russia Launches Ferocious Attacks in Eastern Ukraine, Focusing on Kupyansk and Avdiivka
KUPYANSK, Ukraine — While the attention of the world has been on the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, Russia has launched a series of intense attacks in eastern Ukraine. The country is simultaneously attempting to encircle the city of Avdiivka in the Donetsk region and is bombarding the area surrounding the previously occupied cities of Kupyansk and Lyman.
Russia has reinforced its positions and intensified its attacks on these strategic points on the eastern front, forcing Ukraine to defend territory that was once occupied by Russia but has since been liberated. Some of the most fierce fighting is taking place near Kupyansk, a city located on the Oskil River, just 25 miles from the Russian border. Ukrainian officials have reported that Russia has increased its forces in recent weeks, including the creation of new brigades and elite units composed of prisoner battalions.
General Oleksandr Syrsky, the commander of Ukraine’s ground forces, stated that the situation has significantly worsened and that Russia’s goal is to encircle Kupyansk and reach the river. The city and its surrounding areas have been under constant bombardment since Ukrainian troops recaptured Kupyansk in September 2022. The city’s main street and administration building now lie in ruins.
Soldiers on the front lines have described the recent battles as “crazy” and have noted that the Russians are using a massive amount of ammunition. They have observed that the Russian forces are studying the local terrain and gradually improving their tactics. Ukrainian forces are managing to hold the line, but they admit that the Russians are overwhelming them with their superior numbers and firepower.
Kupyansk residents are living in fear of reoccupation, with suspicions running high towards collaborators and those harboring pro-Russian sentiments. Ukrainian military intelligence and soldiers stationed in the area have taken precautions by not visibly displaying their ranks while in Kupyansk. A billboard at the entrance of the city urges people to report information about “traitors of Ukraine.”
Meanwhile, Russia has also launched a major assault on Avdiivka, a key city located just three miles north of Donetsk. Avdiivka has faced repeated attempts by Russian forces to encircle the city since 2014. This latest assault has been described as “unprecedented,” with Russia deploying greater numbers of personnel and equipment than ever before. The city has been bombarded relentlessly with aviation and artillery.
If Avdiivka falls, a large part of the front stretching from Toretsk to Mariinka could collapse, according to Ukrainian military intelligence. The Russians are reportedly under pressure from Moscow to seize all of the Donetsk region by the end of the year.
Despite these intense attacks, Ukraine is actively engaging in smaller infantry attacks and slowly gaining ground in other areas of the front. These surprise attacks are designed to pressure the Russians, distract them, and potentially create weaker points that Ukraine can exploit.
The situation in eastern Ukraine remains volatile, with both sides incurring heavy casualties. Commanders are under immense pressure to navigate the challenging battlefield and achieve their objectives.