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Russia Launches Winter Offensive on Avdiivka

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2026/01/2 .. ussia-launches-winter-offensive-on-avdiivka.html
  Published in House and Home on Thursday, January 29th 2026 at 2:06 GMT by BBC
      Locales: UKRAINE, RUSSIAN FEDERATION

Avdiivka, Ukraine - January 29th, 2026 - Russia has launched a significant winter offensive targeting the strategically important town of Avdiivka in the Donetsk region of Ukraine. The renewed push, marked by intense fighting and relentless attacks, aims to encircle and capture the town, a key Ukrainian stronghold since 2014.

The offensive represents a substantial escalation in the ongoing conflict, placing considerable pressure on Ukrainian forces already stretched thin and facing challenging winter conditions. Oleksandr Tarnavskyi, the Ukrainian commander for the area, confirmed the Russian intent to encircle Avdiivka, stating on Telegram that while the enemy is attempting to breach Ukrainian lines, defenses are currently holding firm.

Avdiivka's location, situated near the Russia-held city of Donetsk, has made it a focal point of the conflict for over a decade. The town itself is largely devastated, but its control offers a potential staging ground for further Russian advances into the Donetsk Oblast, and potentially towards the vital city of Pokrovsk. Previous Russian attempts to seize Avdiivka have been repelled, but this latest offensive appears to be a more concerted and well-resourced effort.

Reports from the frontlines detail waves of Russian troops being deployed in the attacks, including elements of the Wagner mercenary group - a unit previously heavily involved in the battle for Bakhmut. This suggests Russia is willing to commit significant manpower to achieve its objectives, even at a high cost in casualties. While specific casualty figures remain difficult to verify, both sides are undoubtedly suffering losses in the brutal, close-quarters combat.

The Impact of Winter Warfare

The timing of the offensive is particularly noteworthy. Winter conditions are significantly complicating military operations for both Ukrainian and Russian forces. Michael Kofman, director of Russian Studies at the Carnegie Foundation for International Peace, emphasizes the crucial role of the weather. "Winter conditions impede mobility and make logistical support more difficult for both sides," Kofman explained in a recent analysis. "However, Russia's large troop numbers allow it to overcome some of those challenges."

The frozen ground limits vehicle movement, increasing reliance on infantry and making supply lines more vulnerable. The cold temperatures also pose a direct threat to soldiers, increasing the risk of frostbite and hypothermia. Despite these difficulties, Russia seems to be leveraging its larger reserves of personnel and equipment to maintain momentum.

Ukraine's Plea for Air Defense

As the fighting around Avdiivka intensifies, Ukraine is urgently appealing to its international allies for increased assistance, particularly in the form of air defense systems. Russian strikes continue to target critical infrastructure, and bolstering air defenses is seen as essential to protecting key cities and maintaining the country's operational capacity. The ability to intercept incoming missiles and drones would alleviate pressure on Ukrainian troops and provide a safer environment for logistical operations.

The current situation highlights the critical need for sustained and increased Western support. While aid packages have been approved, the delivery of crucial equipment, especially air defense systems and ammunition, remains a key concern. Delays in assistance could significantly impact Ukraine's ability to hold its ground and counter Russian advances.

Looking Ahead The outcome of the battle for Avdiivka remains uncertain. If Russia succeeds in encircling and capturing the town, it would represent a significant strategic gain, potentially opening up new avenues for attack. However, Ukrainian forces are determined to defend their positions and inflict heavy casualties on the attacking Russian troops. The coming weeks will be critical in determining the course of the conflict in the Donetsk region and the broader war in Ukraine. The intensity of the fighting, combined with the harsh winter conditions, suggests a prolonged and difficult battle lies ahead.