Video Shows Chaotic Russian Advance Repelled by Kyiv's Forces: 'Meat Storm'

Combat footage released by a Ukrainian brigade purports to show Kyiv's forces repelling what has been described as a "meat storm" launched by Russia in eastern Ukraine.

The video was released on Monday by the 58th Motorized Brigade, a formation of the Ukrainian Ground Forces. The post said Russia launched its advance at dawn and fled "in disgrace" within a few hours.

The brigade has been active in eastern Ukraine's Donetsk region throughout Russia's full-scale invasion of the country, which began in February 2022. Clashes have been increasing in intensity near the town of Avdiivka, which has been described as the gateway to the city of Donetsk.

Since October 10, Russia has poured in thousands of troops, as well as tanks and armored vehicles, in an attempt to seize the town. Moscow's forces have reportedly suffered high losses of troops and equipment.

Russia is said to have accumulated around 40,000 troops for an upcoming fresh assault on the town.

"Not everyone managed to escape—there were about fifty bodies of invaders left on the battlefield," the 58th Motorized Brigade said.

"In eliminating the occupiers, the [brigade]...achieved the greatest success," it added.

The aerial footage, filmed by a drone, is coupled with dramatic music, and appears to show Ukrainian forces firing at multiple Russian tanks and armored vehicles, leaving behind trails of smoke. One portion of the clip shows the charred remains of a vehicle, and a soldier covered in flames, crawling away from scene.

Newsweek couldn't independently verify when the footage was filmed. Newsweek has contacted Russia's Defense Ministry for comment via email.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has described the situation around Avdiivka as "particularly tough."

Anton Kotsukon, spokesperson for the 110th separate mechanized brigade, said on November 9 that Russia was building up reserves for a fresh push to seize Avdiivka.

"They've brought in about 40,000 men here along with ammunition," Kotsukon said. "We see no sign of the Russians abandoning plans to encircle Avdiivka."

Kotsukon said Russian troops have surrounded Avdiivka on three sides and were playing cat and mouse and sending up huge numbers of drones to analyze Kyiv's defenses.

The Institute for the Study of War, a U.S.-based think tank, has said Russian forces have been committing more manpower and material to deliberate and larger-scale offensive operations near Avdiivka.

The think tank said in an update on the conflict on Sunday that Russian forces had continued offensive operations around Avdiivka but did not make any confirmed gains.

Meanwhile, the Ukrainian General Staff reported that Ukrainian forces had repelled over 18 Russian assaults near Avdiivka.

Ukrainian forces conducted recent successful counterattacks near Avdiivka and made marginal gains, the think tank added.

Do you have a tip on a world news story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have a question about the Russia-Ukraine war? Let us know via worldnews@newsweek.com.

Disclaimer: The copyright of this article belongs to the original author. Reposting this article is solely for the purpose of information dissemination and does not constitute any investment advice. If there is any infringement, please contact us immediately. We will make corrections or deletions as necessary. Thank you.