"Slow progress and loss": In Britain's intelligence assessed the possibility of Avdiivka's occupation

According to analysts, Russian troops carry out the most significant offensive operation since the beginning of the year. At the same time, Ukrainian defenders continue to keep defense. Russian invaders were intensified in the Avdiivka area in Donetsk region. They plan to take control of the city, but the prospect looks unlikely. This is stated in the Intelligence of the UK Ministry of Defense of October 17.

According to analysts, Russia began a coordinated offensive the day before in several directions in the Donbass. In particular, it is about the city of Avdiivka, which has been on the front line since 2014. Accordingly, Ukrainian defenders managed to build a protected defense line there. The enemy has chosen this goal not simply, since the city is a serious obstacle to the Russian occupiers.

Without it, they cannot achieve a broader task that is associated with the full occupation of the Donetsk region. "It is probably the most significant offensive operation, started by Russia at least in January 2023," the message reads. To do this, the enemy plans to use several armored battalions. They will have to try to surround Avdiivka.

Ukrainian defenders continue to restrain the attempts of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation and thus cause the enemy of tremendous losses both in living strength and in heavy equipment. "Slow progress and heavy losses have probably led to a change in Russia's reports from the offensive to" active defense ", since the successful capture of Avdiivka seems more unlikely in the short term," analysts summed up.