Ukrainian forces have been encircled in Avdiivka, a key town in the east of the country, as Russian soldiers advance from “all directions.”

The warning comes from Vitaliy Barabash, head of Avdiivka’s military administration.

His concern comes as Russia continues to throw men into the town, leaving Ukrainian troops low on ammunition.

Mr Barabash told Espreso TV: “Things in the Avdiivka sector have become tougher. The intensity of clashes has been increasing for some time.

He also said the Russians were attacking from two more places toward Donetsk and in the “so-called industrial zone”, where much of the fighting had been focused.

He added: “The enemy is attempting to storm the city from all directions.”

More updates to follow…

Ukraine has claimed that Russia has launched “more than 150” attacks on Ukrainian positions in villages near Avdiivka.

They have also claimed to have fought back two dozen attacks around Avdiivka.

Less than 1,500 residents remain in the town, which previously had a population of 32,000 before the war.

Both sides have suffered a number of losses, with Russia believed to have suffered “some of the highest” casualties of the entire conflict in the past six weeks.

One Russian soldier has been quoted in the media saying: “We’re dying like f****** earthworms.”

As for Ukraine, Michael Kofman, a senior fellow at the Washington-based Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, has also given some concerning analysis.

He said: “The material advantages in 2024 are principally on Russia’s side, but they don’t appear decisive enough that Russia will be able to achieve its political aims.

“It’s inaccurate to suggest that Russia is winning the war. However, if the right choices are not made next year on Ukraine’s approach and Western resourcing, then Ukraine’s prospects for success look dim.”

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