The Russian Army is likely to continue attempting an offensive in Avdiyivka area, despite significant losses of personnel and armored vehicles, U.S. National Security Council Spokesperson John Kirby said during a briefing at the White House.

"Since the 11th of October, Russia has suffered significant losses in this offensive attempt of theirs, including at least 125 armoured vehicles around Avdiivka and more than a battalion’s worth of equipment," Kirby said.

Russia is likely to resume attacks near Avdiyivka and may achieve some tactical successes in the coming months, he said. However, this is done at the expense of the death of thousands of Russian soldiers, as well as under the threat of their execution.

"We have information that the Russian military has been actually executing soldiers who’ve refused to follow orders. We also have information that Russian commanders are threatening to execute entire units if they seek to retreat from Ukrainian artillery fire," Kirby said.