Putin forced to make humiliating retreat after henchmen take heavy losses in Ukraine

Vladimir Putin is reportedly scaling back his offensive on Avdiivka, according to Ukrainian military officials, who caution that the attacks have not ceased entirely.

Vladimir Putin is deploying fewer troops and less equipment in an effort to capture the strategically significant Ukrainian stronghold in Donetsk Oblast, which has been largely under Russian occupation.

Ukrainian military spokesperson Oleksandr Shtupun said: "Russian occupying forces have reduced ground and air attacks, but they persist in violating the rules of war by targeting medical teams and evacuation vehicles."

Avdiivka, once home to around 32,000 residents, now houses only 1,500 due to intense fighting, particularly around its vital coking plant.

Despite the reduction in attacks, Russian troops seem determined to capture Avdiivka. According to the spokesperson, they launched eight attacks today.

There are concerns that Russia is planning a third wave of attacks, similar to its strategy in Bakhmut last year.

Ukrainian forces are holding their positions, as confirmed by Vitaliy Barabash, the head of Avdiivka’s military administration.

He highlighted the ongoing pressure on Ukrainian troops, particularly from enemy drones. Meanwhile, the neighbouring town of Maryinka is also experiencing an uptick in Russian attacks.

While Russia has not provided detailed updates on its military operations and objectives in Avdiivka, it recently announced that its troops were targeting villages south of the town.

Putin's forces continue their slow advance and occupation of Ukraine's eastern regions, resulting in significant casualties since the full-scale invasion began last year.

In the south, Russian forces reportedly targeted port infrastructure in Odesa, a Black Sea city, with missiles, as reported by regional officials on Monday.