Heavy Casualties on Both Sides as Russian Assault on Ukrainian City of Avdiivka Stalls

Three-week battle ravages Ukraine's eastern city as strategic Russian siege faces fierce resistance; crippling losses imply stalling of Russian military momentum in war-torn region.

The battle for Avdiivka is proving to be one of the costliest of the war for Russia. Despite heavy artillery and mechanized assaults, the Russian army has failed to make significant advancements, barely pushing forward by a mile in the main direction of the attacks.
Ukrainian forces are effectively employing aerial drones armed with explosives to destroy Russian armored columns and infantry, drastically hampering Russian efforts. The heavy casualties suffered by the Russians in Avdiivka exceed those experienced in previous battles and are likely to further restrict their military operations.
Ukrainian forces too have suffered heavy casualties. In one instance, a soldier reported that only six soldiers from his unit of over 50 remained uninjured after the first days of the ongoing fight.
The city of Avdiivka has been a strategic target for Russian forces since 2014, partly due to its proximity to Donetsk, the largest city of the Russian-controlled eastern provinces. The city also blocks Russia's use of the main highway and railroad along the frontline.
Ukrainian forces' resistance in Avdiivka continues to be unyielding. The brigades, equipped with fleets of drones, are able to monitor the Russian buildup and attacks, thereby enabling strategic counter-attacks.