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Fighting Intensifies in Eastern Ukraine

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  Published in Politics and Government on Tuesday, January 13th 2026 at 12:28 GMT by BBC

Tuesday, January 13th, 2026 - Fighting has intensified dramatically in eastern Ukraine as Russian forces launched a significant, multi-pronged assault on the strategically important town of Avdiivka. The offensive, initiated on Monday, marks a stark escalation in the ongoing conflict and underscores Russia's continued determination to seize territory in the Donbas region. While Ukrainian forces are offering staunch resistance, the situation remains critically tense, with reports indicating a severe strain on Ukraine's defensive capabilities.

A Decades-Long Battleground

Avdiivka, located near the Russian border and a consistent focal point since the onset of the conflict in 2014, has long been a brutal battleground for both sides. Its geographic location makes it a key strategic point, and control of the town would provide Russia with a further foothold in the Donbas and potentially open avenues for future offensives. Historically, both Ukrainian and Russian forces have incurred substantial casualties in attempts to secure Avdiivka, making this renewed assault all the more concerning.

The Offensive: A Coordinated Push

The current offensive is characterized by a relentless combination of tactics. Russian forces are employing heavy artillery bombardment, precision air strikes, and coordinated ground assaults, aiming to encircle Avdiivka and ultimately capture it. The Russian Ministry of Defence has claimed advancements within the area, reporting that their troops are actively attempting to cut off the town from Ukrainian-controlled territory. This coordinated approach represents a significant escalation compared to the period of relative stalemate that had characterized the conflict in recent months. While previous fighting has been intense, the sheer scale and coordinated nature of this offensive is raising serious concerns within Ukrainian command.

Ukrainian Resistance and Civilian Impact

Ukrainian officials are acknowledging the severity of the situation but maintain that their troops are steadfastly holding their defensive positions. Governor Oleksandr Starukh of the Dnipropetrovsk region, bordering Avdiivka, described the situation as "very tense," noting the arrival of reinforcements from the Russian side. However, sustaining that resistance is proving increasingly difficult.

The fighting is inflicting a heavy toll on the civilian population. Widespread infrastructure damage is occurring, disrupting essential services and forcing many residents to seek refuge in shelters or flee the area entirely. The constant shelling and air raids are causing immense suffering and creating a humanitarian crisis within Avdiivka itself.

The Urgent Need for Western Support

The renewed offensive has further highlighted Ukraine's critical dependence on continued military and financial support from its Western allies. Kyiv has repeatedly and urgently requested increased supplies of ammunition, particularly artillery rounds, and advanced air defense systems. The current rate of expenditure, coupled with production delays and logistical bottlenecks within the supply chain, has left Ukrainian forces facing a severe shortage of vital resources. The need for additional manpower is also becoming increasingly acute, as Ukrainian forces struggle to defend the sprawling frontline.

Experts believe that Russia's renewed push on Avdiivka is a direct test of Ukraine's resilience and the effectiveness of Western aid. A successful Russian capture of Avdiivka would represent a significant propaganda victory for Moscow and could embolden further aggressive actions. Conversely, a successful Ukrainian defense, despite the challenges, would reinforce their determination and could potentially influence the trajectory of the war. The coming days and weeks will be critical in determining the outcome of this battle and its broader implications for the conflict in Ukraine.