A short video without much action, but it provides perspective of Russian losses near Avdiivka. For over a week Russian have launched frontal mechanized assaults against stout defenses in an attempt to envelop the Ukrainian salient in Avdiivka. Exact numbers of Russian losses vary, with some observers estimating 800 personnel lost per day and dozens of tanks, armored vehicles, and artillery systems. According to the Institute for the Study of War, chatter in the Russian milblogger community indicates that no significant positional changes have occurred in recent days, and that Russian forces are pausing following a failed push with heavy losses. Maneuver is likely complicated on a static front that is heavily fortified on both sides. The Russians have been unable to disrupt Ukrainian logistics and lines of communications, permitting the Ukrainians to shift combat power within heavily fortified interior lines. Mines, precision guided munitions, accurate and timely artillery fire, and drones have wreaked havoc on Russian armored formations, logistics, and supporting artillery, and yet they keep pumping units into the grinder.

About the Author

Cam

Cam served as an infantry officer in the Marine Corps, deploying to the Horn of Africa and participating in combat operations in Iraq. He currently works in the maritime industry and in the defense sector as an instructor of combined arms planning and operations. An avid sailor, Cam founded and directs Triumph Sailing, a nonprofit that supports veterans and first responders through adventure and fellowship on the water. Triumph Sailing is preparing for its big yearly event, an offshore race in the Gulf of Mexico with an all veteran crew. You can support the mission at Tri-Sail.Org.