More Russians die seizing Avdiivka than in entire Soviet-Afghan conflict Analysts' opinion

Sky News carries an article that more Russians died seizing Avdiivka than in the entire Soviet-Afghan conflict, Caliber.Az reprints the article.

As the conflict enters its third year, the Institute for the Study of War has called the situation in Ukraine "grave but not hopeless" - saying Ukraine could still win the war, but is reliant on US aid.

Ukraine said it shot down 16 of 18 Russian drones overnight.

Russian forces have taken a more advantageous position near Avdiivka and Donetsk and have rebuffed seven Ukrainian counterattacks, Russia's defence ministry said. 

It said its troops had pushed back Ukrainian forces near Klishchiivka, Dyleyevka and Kurdiumivka in the Donetsk region and taken better positions near Avdiivka.

On February 23, the ministry said Russian forces had advanced further to the west after taking control of Avdiivka a week ago.

Analysts at the Institute for the Study of War said more Russians likely died seizing Avdiivka than in the entire Soviet-Afghan conflict.

The city was seized by Russia after months of intense fighting.