ISW experts name real reasons for Russian offensive on Avdiivka

This is reported by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).

Geolocation footage shows that Russian forces are concentrated southwest of Avdiivka. According to the latest reports, Russian forces have not completed the operational encirclement of the city and are likely to struggle to do so. According to experts, Avdiivka is also known to be a well-fortified and defended Ukrainian stronghold, which is likely to make it difficult for Russian forces to approach or completely capture the city.

In addition, Russian troops already control sections of the most important road Donetsk - Kostiantynivka - Kramatorsk - Sloviansk and other routes passing near Avdiivka, so the hypothetical capture of Avdiivka will not open new ways for the occupying army to advance in the Donetsk region.

According to ISW analysts, Russian troops are likely planning to attack near Avdiivka to constrain Ukrainian forces and prevent them from redeploying to other parts of the front.

• On October 11, the General Staff reported that in the Avdiivka sector, the Ukrainian Armed Forces repelled 10 enemy attacks in the area of Avdiivka and another 8 attacks in the areas east of Stepove in the Donetsk region.