Russian forces conducted offensive operations near Avdiivka, Donetsk Oblast, and made a confirmed advance on 8 December, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) said in its latest report. On 8 December, Russian forces reportedly advanced toward the sewage treatment plant south of Krasnohorivka, a strategic location northwest of Avdiivka. This advancement is substantiated by geolocated footage from the same day.
Russian sources, including military bloggers, claimed movements on December 7 and 8, suggesting advancements toward Novokalynove, near the Avdiivka Coke Plant, and within the industrial zone southeast of Avdiivka. Furthermore, these sources assert that Russian forces are consolidating their positions in Stepove, an area northwest of Avdiivka, with some milbloggers indicating a clear presence on the eastern outskirts of Stepove.
In contrast, the Ukrainian General Staff reported several unsuccessful attacks by Russian forces in various locations including east of Novobakhmutivka, south of Tonenke, and near Stepove, Avdiivka, and Pervomaiske. Additionally, Russian sources mentioned attacks near Ocheretyne, Novokalynove, Sieverne, and the industrial zone, indicating a broad scope of offensive efforts.
Weather conditions, described as difficult by a Russian source, are reportedly slowing the tempo of operations near Avdiivka for both Russian and Ukrainian forces. Colonel Oleksandr Shtupun, a spokesperson for the Ukrainian Tavriisk Group of Forces, stated that over 40,000 Russian troops are engaged in the Avdiivka direction. He also noted the redeployment of reserves from Storm-Z units and inadequately trained and provisioned mobilized personnel to compensate for losses.
In a related development, a Russian source claimed that Ukrainian forces launched an unsuccessful attack west of Donetsk City in Marinka on 8 December. Simultaneously, Russian forces reportedly conducted offensive operations west and southwest of Donetsk City, but no significant advances were confirmed. The Ukrainian General Staff reported failed Russian attacks near Krasnohorivka, Marinka, Pobieda, and Novomykhailivka. Russian sources acknowledged that Marinka is not fully under their control and that fighting continues in the settlement’s northwestern part.
Near Bakhmut, both Russian and Ukrainian forces engaged in offensive operations without any confirmed advances. The Ukrainian General Staff indicated continued assault operations south of Bakhmut, while Russian milbloggers claimed progress to the eastern outskirts of Bohdanivka and other strategic locations. However, the Ukrainian General Staff reported unsuccessful Russian attacks in these areas.
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