AFU advances northeast of Bakhmut, positional battles continue near Avdiivka: analysis from ISW. Map

Ukrainian Defense Forces have advanced northeast of Bakhmut in the Donetsk region. Positional fighting continues in this area and near Avdiivka.

This was reported by analysts of the American Institute for the Study of War (ISW). It is noted that in the Bakhmut direction, Ukrainian forces advanced south of Spirne on December 27.

As early as December 29, Russian sources published footage claiming that units of the 6th Motorized Rifle Brigade of the 2nd Army Corps of the "LPR" were operating near this settlement.

The analysts also noted that both Ukrainian and Russian sources claimed that positional fighting continued west of Bakhmut in the area of Bohdanivka, Khromove and Ivanivske, as well as southwest of Bakhmut in the area of Klishchiivka, Andriivka and Kurdiumivka.

The ISW noted that in the Avdiivka sector, Russian troops advanced northeast of Vodiane. On December 29, positional fighting continued around Avdiivka, in particular near Ocheretyne, Novobakhmutivka and Stepove.

"Russian sources claimed that Russian forces had also advanced northwest of Avdiivka in the area of Krasnohorivka and towards the Avdiivka coke plant, although ISW did not observe visual evidence of such an advance," the analysts added.

Ukrainian military observer Kostiantyn Mashovets said that Russian troops are attacking in small strike groups without the support of armored vehicles and in some cases without artillery, relying on small arms fire instead. They are trying to advance northwest and southwest of Avdiivka.

As reported by OBOZ.UA:

- Ukrainian Defense Forces have shown how they regained control of a position previously seized by the Russian army. The operation was conducted in one of the sectors, where the fiercest fighting with the enemy is currently taking place, namely near Avdiivka.

- President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited the positions of the Ukrainian military in Avdiivka, Donetsk region, which the occupiers are trying to surround. The Head of State thanked the military and presented them with awards.

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