Ukraine Map Shows Russia Closing In on Avdiivka at 'Critical Time' for Kyiv

Russian forces are closing in on the Donetsk town of Avdiivka, a new war map shows, in what has been described by a Ukrainian journalist as a "critical time" for Kyiv.

There is "a real threat" that Ukraine could lose Avdiivka, Ukrainian journalist Yuriy Butusov, said in a post on his Telegram channel on Thursday after Russian forces reportedly managed to cross a railway and gain a foothold near the town.

In October, Russia launched a major offensive on the frontline town, which been the target of Moscow's forces' aggression since 2014 when Russian President Vladimir Putin illegally annexed the southern Crimean peninsula from Ukraine.

Beginning on October 10, Russia has poured in thousands of troops, as well as tanks and armored vehicles, in an attempt to seize the town, which has been described as the gateway to the city of Donetsk.

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

The Institute for the Study of War, a U.S.-based think tank, published a new map on Thursday showing Russian advances around Avdiivka.

The think tank said a Russian source claimed on November 2 that Russian forces had advanced near Krasnohorivka, Sieverne and southern Avdiivka.

Butusov reported that Russian troops crossed a railway line near the village of Stepove and began assault operations near the village itself, north of Avdiivka. He said Russian infantry were entrenched behind the railway and were preparing to attack a strategic plant in Avdiivka. Should it fall, the city could be captured.

"Russian assaults continue south of Avdiivka, where they are expanding the breakthrough in the area of the sand quarry near the village of Opytne," he also said. "Here the threat is also increasing."

However, the journalist said Ukrainian troops are having success in combat operations in the city of Avdiivka itself.

"The 110th mechanized brigade skillfully repulsed all Russian attacks, completely restored several positions that the enemy captured during massive assaults on October 10-19, and even improved its positions in some directions. There is currently no imminent threat of the enemy entering the city," he said.

The British Defense Ministry said in a prior intelligence report that Russia's offensive to seize Avdiivka has contributed to "a 90 percent increase in Russian casualties" recorded by Ukraine military officials.

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