Russian forces slightly advance near Avdiivka and Novomykhailivka — ISW

A recent report from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) states this. 

ISW notes that Russian forces have recently moved to the southwest of Donetsk. Geolocation footage published on January 23 suggests that the Russian Federation has advanced to the northeast of Novomykhailivka.

Ukrainian and Russian sources confirm ongoing positional fighting southwest of Donetsk near Heorhiivka and Novomykhailivka.

The Russian 5th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade (1st Army Corps of the DPR) and units from the Russian 255th Motorized Rifle Regiment (20th Motorized Rifle Division) are known to operate near Heoriihvka.

Simultaneously, Russia reports advancements near Avdiivka. Geolocation footage from January 23 indicates that Russian troops have moved in western Stepovo (northwest of Avdiivka).

Russia claims their forces have advanced over one kilometer near the Avdiivka quartz sand quarry north of Avdiivka. However, ISW cannot independently confirm this assertion.

A Russian media blogger reports Ukrainian troop activity southeast of Avdiivka. Units from the Russian 80th tank regiment (90th tank division) and the special purpose unit "Viking" are said to be operating in the Avdiivka direction.

• On January 23, 42 combat clashes took place at the front. Defense forces repelled 41 attacks. The enemy did not conduct offensive operations in the Shakhtarsk direction.