Russian forces intensifying offensives near Avdiivka, says Ukrainian commander

DONETSK, Ukraine

A Ukrainian commander in the country's eastern region of Donetsk said Russian forces in the area are stepping up offensive action near the city of Avdiivka.

"On Oct. 10, they started active offensive activities with the aim of besieging Avdiivka. The infantry, with a lot of military equipment in almost every direction, started offensive actions," the commander, codenamed Andre, told Anadolu in an interview.

Noting that clashes between Russian and Ukrainian forces continue in many points across the front-line regions of Kharkiv, Kherson, Donetsk, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhia, Andre claimed that the Russian troops suffered heavy losses as they launched their attack on Avdiivka.

He further claimed that the Russian army carried out unsuccessful attacks along the front line and was unable to make progress.

"They cannot make progress in any direction, neither Bakhmut nor Zaporizhzhia. In fact, our landing units were last deployed in Kherson, on the left bank of the Dnieper River," Andre said.

Repelling Russian attacks has been easier in the region as Ukrainian forces control critical positions and enjoy robust supply lines in the area.

"There is no situation of panic. We have strategic and tactical goals. Our government and army leaders continue to work in coordination," he added.

Andre went on to warn, however, that the physical and mental health of Ukrainian children are at risk due to the ongoing conflict, pointing out that those who live near front line regions like Kherson could not even go to school.

"They have to stay in warehouses or shelters due to the attacks. Their childhood has been completely taken away from them," he said, underlining that conflicts should not harm children and civilians.

* Writing by Burc Eruygur in Istanbul