Russian rockets strike high-rise buildings and chemical plant in Avdiivka

On Wednesday, Avdiivka in the eastern Donetsk region was massively attacked by the Russian army. 

The Russian forces launched ten rockets at the residential areas of the city, Rubryka reports, citing Vitalii Barabash, the head of the Avdiivka military administration.

"Unfortunately, it has been confirmed that one person — an 85-year-old man — was killed. One injured is 26 years old, and another injured is a 35-year-old woman," Barabash said. "There are probably still two people under the rubble after the missile strike — an elderly man and an elderly woman." 

According to the official, the rockets struck multi-story residential buildings and the territory of the Avdiivka coke chemical plant.

"Today is a little easier because the Russians do not use equipment, mostly storming the city in groups of 20-30 people from different directions," said Barabash, confirming that a new battle for Avdiivka had begun.

On Tuesday, the city was attacked with bombs, artillery, and tanks, which continued throughout the day. Fortunately, it was possible to avoid civilian casualties.

"Yesterday, thank God, people had some instinct for self-preservation — there were no injured or killed," the administration chief said. "Most likely, they just heard what was happening around the city since the night, and that's why they didn't go out." 

Situation around Avdiivka

The Russian occupiers shell and bomb the cities and villages of the Donetsk region daily. Front-line towns in the region, and even those located in the relative rear, are constantly under attack.

The Ukrainian military stressed that the Russians intensified their offensive in the Avdiivka area using armored vehicles.

On Tuesday, the Russian forces allegedly launched an offensive on several areas of the eastern front at once and are constantly shelling Avdiivka and other populated areas.

The Tavria operational-strategic group spokesperson stated that Ukrainian soldiers repelled all Russian attacks without losing lines and positions.

The General Staff also confirmed that in the area of responsibility of the Tavria grouping on the Avdiivka axis, up to three Russian battalions, supported by tanks and armored vehicles, intensified the offensive near Avdiivka, Tonenke, Keramika, and Pervomaiske in the Donetsk region.