Pro-Russian forces continue attempts to storm Avdiyivka

Pro-Russian forces made at least four attempts to storm the factory town of Avdiyivka in Ukraine’s Donetsk region on the early morning of Feb. 1, the pravda.com.ua news site reported, citing sources in the Ukrainian military. Attacks on several fronts besides Avdiyivka involved Grad missile launchers, 152-mm caliber artillery, cannons and rifle fire being fired 86 times in the last 24 hours, the Anti-Terrorist Operation press center reported at 6:00 today. At least one Ukrainian soldier was killed this morning, adding to three casualties of the prior day (and 15 on the pro-Russian side). The attacks have prevented attempts to restore electricity to the town, local officials said.

Ukraine begins today its one-month term at the presidency of the United Nations Security Council. The Ukrainian Mission to the UN is already taking advantage by setting a hearing on Feb. 2 to discuss the military escalation in the Donbas region. The Security Council also issued a Jan. 31 statement at Ukraine’s request, expressing it grave concern about the dangerous situation and severe consequences for the local civilian population. The statement condemned the use of armaments forbidden by the Minsk Accords, which led to deaths and injuries among civilians.

Avdiyivka is a town on the Ukrainian side of the frontlines that has been consistently targeted by pro-Russian forces since the Donbas war erupted in April 2014. It is home to Europe’s largest coke factory.

Zenon Zawada: It’s hard to say whether this latest battle will last a week or a month, largely because the aims of the pro-Russian fighters are not clear. What they seem intent on doing is capturing Avdiyivka, which could serve as a moral victory. Besides the coke plant that belongs to Rinat Akhmetov, it is home to a water filtration station.