British intel: Russia to risk significant casualties if it tries to take Ukraine chemical plant north of Avdiivka

Russian forces advancing on the eastern Ukrainian town of Avdiivka will probably face significant casualties if they attempt to take the strategic Avdiivka Coke and Chemical Plant located north of the town, the UK Defense Ministry reported.

The sprawling industrial facility, which produces coke and chemicals, occupies a strategically vital position controlling the main road into Avdiivka.

According to the UK intel, if Russian forces were able to secure the plant, resupplying the town would become increasingly difficult for Ukraine. As of now, the complex provides Ukrainian defenders with a major tactical advantage.

“The industrial facility gives Ukraine a localized defensive boost and Russian forces will probably see major personnel losses if they try to take over the facility,” the analysts assessed.

Russian troops have continued attacks on outlying villages near Avdiivka, Donetsk Oblast, over the past week

“Russia is almost certainly attempting a pincer movement to encircle the town. Avdiivka has been fought over for nearly a decade and holds political importance to Russia given its proximately to Donetsk city,” the British intel said.

And recent Russian advances have brought forces close to the coke plant on the northern edge of Avdiivka. However, the UK intel concluded that Russia would likely suffer significant personnel losses in case of its assault on the facility.

Read also:

• ISW: Russia’s eastern offensive sees little progress amid Ukraine’s advances in south
• Frontline report: Ukrainians control chemical plant near Avdiivka despite Russian bombardment
• Zelenskyy: Russia losing more troops, equipment at Avdiivka than it did at Bakhmut

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