Ukraine's frontline breakdown: Five of the biggest battles explained

As the conflict between Russia and Ukraine passes its second anniversary, Moscow has launched several offensive operations against five important areas in the south and the east.

Russia has recently captured the fortified city of Avdiivka after months of fighting, and Ukraine has also seen its Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces replaced following the failure of the country's counter-offensive.

As the war enters its third year, where exactly is the story unfolding on the ground today?

• Avdiivka: Ukraine says its forces are withdrawing after months of fighting in besieged city
• Ukrainian forces make 'tactical progress' around Bakhmut
• Russia will win Ukraine war unless Nato approach changes, retired general warns

Svatove-Kreminna

Multiple Russian infantry armoured divisions have attempted to break through Ukrainian defences in the area known as the Svatove-Kreminna line.

An estimated 110,000 Russian troops, supported by armoured vehicles, are driving forward in four different places across the line to reach the cities of Kupiansk and Lyman.

Despite not achieving any major advances in the area, they are attempting to push the Ukrainians back toward the eastern bank of the Oskil River.

However, despite the size of the attacking force and the strength of the Ukrainian defensive positions, no clear winner has emerged yet.

Bakhmut

The city of Bakhmut was captured last year by Russian mercenaries working for the now-defunct Wagner mercenary group. Despite the city being in ruins, heavy fighting has continued on all sides.

It has been reported that Russian forces have got within 2km of Chasiv Yar to the west of Bakhmut, although Ukraine has denied this.

It is thought that if Russia conquers the high ground in the area, they will be able to strike against the city of Kramatorsk with artillery.

Russia is estimated to have 62,000 troops committed to Bakhmut, including several divisions of elite VDV paratroopers.

Avdiivka

After months of brutal fighting and at the cost of more than 16,000 troops, Russia was able to overpower the Ukrainian defenders in the industrial city of Avdiivka.

On taking the city, Russia began moving troops and equipment along the frontline, however, they will now be facing pre-prepared positions that the Ukrainian defenders were able to withdraw to.

With the battle lines being re-drawn after the fall of Avdiivka, heavy fighting will surely continue in the region.

Vuhledar

In another attempt to conquer higher ground to stage further attacks from, Russia is now using the remains of the city of Marinka as a staging post to re-attack the stronghold of Vuhledar.

The coal mining town, located in the south, is a valuable city for both sides as it offers elevation for whoever occupies it.

Ukraine has enjoyed the high ground it offers to launch artillery strikes against the Russian-occupied town of Pavlivka and more importantly, the T-05-09 highway which connects to the road known as Highway H-20. The highway is being used to transport men and equipment to the front.

Russia has already lost hundreds of men during two previous attempts to take the city.

Robotyne

Another major battle is taking place 100 miles east of Avdiivka, around the city of Robotyne. This city was successfully retaken by Ukrainian troops during their counter-offensive last year.

The town is currently surrounded on three sides by three divisions of Russian forces, estimated to number around 40,000 troops. They are also supported by VDV paratroopers.

Both sides are engaging in trench and drone warfare, and Russian military bloggers have claimed that their troops have entered the southern outskirts of Robotyne.