Russia paying for small gains with thousands of casualties, MOD warns
Russian forces have made further small advances on the northern axis of a pincer movement as part of their attempt to surround Avdiivka, the Ministry of Defence has said.
The MOD's latest Defence Intelligence update said the advance in the eastern Ukrainian region of Donbas probably represents one of the greatest Russian gains since the spring, but has cost the units involved "thousands of casualties".
"Since the start of October 2023, Russian forces have moved the frontline forwards up to 2km in this area," the MOD intelligence report stated.
It continued: "This operation is gradually bringing Russian troops closer to the Avdiivka Coke and Chemical plant, where Ukrainian forces maintain one of their main defensive positions.
"Although Avdiivka has become a salient or bulge in the Ukrainian front line, Ukraine remains in control of a corridor of territory approximately 7km wide, through which it continues to supply the town."
The importance of Avdiivka
Avdiivka is becoming a symbol for Ukraine's battle against the Russian onslaught, with some of the fiercest fighting of the war now taking place in the city.
Russian and Ukrainian forces are going toe-to-toe in Avdiivka, which has real strategic value.
Avdiivka sits inside a bulge of Ukrainian-held territory on the edge of the Donbas, but is surrounded on three sides by Russian forces.
However, from here Ukrainian artillery and missiles can hit Donetsk, and the city is seen as the gateway to the southern Donbas.
If Ukrainian forces lose control of the city, retaking the occupied territory in that region will be far more difficult, hence Russia's determination to take Avdiivka.
'Deadliest month of the war so far'
According to figures from the Ukrainian General Staff, the Russian army is experiencing its deadliest month of the Ukraine war so far.
Reportedly, November 2023 has seen Russia lose an average of 931 personnel per day due to the conflict. The figure has been described as "plausible" by the MOD.
It said: "Throughout November 2023, Russian casualties, as reported by the Ukrainian General Staff, are running at a daily average of 931 per day."
Previously, Ukraine had claimed that Russia's deadliest month of the war had been March 2023 when Moscow's losses reportedly averaged at 776 losses every day.
This was during the Russian assault on Bakhmut which was eventually captured.
UK intelligence shared the claims in its daily intelligence update in Ukraine, however, it has clarified that while the claims are difficult to verify the figures are "plausible".
The UK Defence Secretary earlier called out Russian President Vladimir Putin's decision to "senselessly sending more Russians to die".
In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Grant Shapps said: "Putin is stepping up his invasion - senselessly sending more Russians to die than at any time since the war began.
"Ukrainian bravery & western support is holding back their advance, but we cannot be complacent."
He added: "Ukraine needs our unwavering support to fight & win."
Mr Shapps also condemned Russia's attack on Kyiv, which Ukraine's air force called the largest Russian drone attack of the war.
In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, he called the attacks "callous".
"These explosions will echo around the world as a reminder that we'll never accept Ukraine being invaded by Russia," he said.
Mr Shapps added: "I'm committed to the UK & world remaining staunchly behind Ukraine's defence."
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