By KYIV. Nov 20 (Interfax-Ukraine) – Ukrainian forces continue to defend and at the same time counterattack near Avdiyivka, and also maintain the initiative in southern Ukraine, analysts at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) said.
The review states that Ukrainian forces counterattacked near Avdiyivka and carried out a confirmed offensive on November 19. Geolocated footage published on November 19 shows that the Ukrainian Armed Forces advanced near the railway southeast of Stepove (3 km northwest of Avdiyivka), and counterattacked near the Avdiyivka coke plant.
In addition, ISW says, Ukrainian troops continued offensive operations in the west of Zaporizhia region and reportedly achieved minor successes on November 19. In particular, they advanced in the area of Novoprokopivka (3 km south of Robotyne) and Rivne (8 km west of Robotyne), and also attacked near the village of Verbove (10 km east of Robotyne) and Kopani (5 km northwest of Robotyne).
On November 19, the AFU also continued operations in the eastern (left bank) of Kherson region. In particular, the areas of Poyma (12 km east of the city of Kherson and 4 km from the Dnipro River) and Peschanivka (13 km east of the city of Kherson and 3 km from the Dnipro River) were attacked, while Russian troops counterattacked in Krynki (30 km northeast of the city of Kherson and 2 km from the Dnipro River). The Ukrainian Armed Forces are said to be using modified Baba Yaga drones to damage Russian thermobaric artillery systems on the eastern bank, highlighting the vulnerability of Russian air defenses in the area.
The review also notes that Ukrainian and Russian forces continue to fight in eastern and southern Ukraine, although rainy weather will likely continue to slow the pace of fighting until winter conditions fully set in.
