Russian occupiers have most likely launched a coordinated offensive in several directions in eastern Ukraine, including Avdiyivka in Donetsk region, according to a report from the Ministry of Defense of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, published on the social network X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday morning.

“Russian forces in Donetsk are conducting a combined arms offensive on the heavily defended town of Avdiyivka, which has been which has been on the frontline since 2014. The town is a major obstacle in preventing Russian forces from their wider objective of taking control of Donetsk region,” the message reads.

According to the British intelligence, Russia’s attack is likely being carried out with multiple armored battalions, which are attempting to envelop the town, and “it’s likely to be the most significant offensive operation undertaken by Russia since at least January 2023.” At the same time, it is indicated that the Ukrainian forces are holding back the advance of the invaders, and the latter are suffering heavy losses in equipment and personnel.

“Slow progress and high casualties have likely triggered a change in messaging from Russia, from an offensive to ‘active-defence’, as successfully clearing Avdiyivka looks increasingly unlikely in the short term,” the message reads.