April 3, 2023 - Russia-Ukraine news | CNN

Russia's Intensifying Assault on Ukraine: A Stalemate with Heavy Fighting

The Ukrainian military reported little change in the front lines, but intense battles were ongoing across various parts of the Donetsk region against Russian forces. According to General Staff, over 45 enemy attacks had been repelled, focusing primarily on Lyman, Bakhmut, Avdiivka, and Mariinka.

Air strikes and multiple launch rocket system assaults also targeted Ukrainian positions, with 17 air strikes reported. The situation in Bakhmut is particularly tense, where the enemy aims to take full control of the city. West of the city, Ukrainian forces successfully repelled around 20 enemy attacks, according to the General Staff.

Oleksandr Syrskyi, commander of Ukrainian Land Forces, stated that the enemy's claims about capturing Bakhmut are false and aimed at covering up its military failures. He emphasized that every soldier's actions on the front lines will determine the success of a potential counter-offensive.

In the northwest and west of Donetsk, fighting intensified as Russian forces continued to try and dislodge Ukrainian defenses in Avdiivka and Mariinka. The General Staff reported repelling around 20 enemy assaults in these areas.

Oleksii Dmytrashkivskyi, a spokesperson for military operations in that zone, claimed there had been operational successes in the Donetsk area. Russian special forces had also been introduced into the area. Despite this, they were struggling to gain ground, with significant losses suffered by both sides.

In Avdiivka, heavy fire was reported on both sides, with the Russians attempting to break through Ukrainian defenses surrounded on three sides. Denis Pushilin, leader of the self-declared Donetsk People's Republic, stated that Russian forces continued their advance in the Avdiivka direction, though it is too early to speak of encirclement.

Overall, the situation remains volatile and intense, with both sides suffering heavy losses. While Ukrainian forces are holding ground, they face significant challenges in defending against Russian aggression.

The fighting on the front lines has been so brutal lately I'm really worried about the soldiers on both sides, they're putting their lives on the line for what feels like an endless war . The situation is indeed volatile and intense, with heavy losses on both sides #UkraineConflict #PeaceInUkraine

I mean, 45 enemy attacks repelled is a big deal, but at what cost? The casualties are staggering, and it's heartbreaking to see families torn apart by this conflict . Every soldier's actions will determine the success of a potential counter-offensive, that's so true - it's time for both sides to think about the human toll #StaySafeUkraineSoldiers

It's also concerning when you hear claims from officials like Oleksandr Syrskyi and Denis Pushilin. The situation is complex, but it seems like both sides are struggling to gain ground . I just want to see a peaceful resolution to this conflict, with talks between leaders and negotiations that bring everyone together #DialogueForPeace #UkrainePeace

Ugh, can you believe this is still happening ? I mean, I remember when we were watching these same news updates back in 2014 and it was all about Crimea . It feels like an eternity since then and the situation is just getting more dire by the day . The thought of kids caught up in this war, fighting on both sides... *sigh* I wish they could find a way to resolve this peacefully, you know? Back then we had hope that somehow things would magically work out. Now it just feels like we're stuck in some never-ending nightmare .

Ukraine still stuck in a stalemate I mean, 45 enemy attacks repelled is something, but if you ask me, what's the point of just repelling when you're not really making progress? The Russians are bringing in special forces and heavy artillery, and we all know that doesn't come cheap . And on the other hand, Ukraine is holding ground, but they need to be honest about it - it's not like they're winning this war anytime soon . It feels like we're just looping back to the same old stalemate over and over again...

the situation in ukraine is getting more and more crazy , like a perpetual loop of conflict with no end in sight . i'm not sure how much longer these soldiers can keep going on , the losses are piling up on both sides but somehow the fighting just won't stop . what's most annoying to me is that nobody seems to know when this whole thing will finally wrap up , every "update" feels like just another chapter in an ongoing war story

Ugh, this stalemate is just a myth . They're all just playing a game of cat and mouse, waiting for someone to blink first. It's only a matter of time before the Russians break through those Ukrainian defenses in Avdiivka or Bakhmut. And what's with these "operational successes" from Oleksii Dmytrashkivskyi? Sounds like just spin to me . Both sides are suffering heavy losses, but I don't see how that's going to change anything. It's all just a waste of lives and resources .

man this war ain't ending anytime soon the russians keep throwing everything they got at ukraine but they just won't give up it's like they're trying to wear them down or something and honestly it's super tragic for all the innocent civilians caught in the crossfire i don't know how much longer these soldiers can keep going, both sides are taking huge losses the generals on both sides gotta be having some serious anxiety attacks

man, this conflict just keeps going on and on... like what's the goal here? is it even possible to win at this point? ukrainian troops r doing their best but russian forces got some serious firepower and losses are piling up on both sides... Avdiivka seems like a war zone right now... heavy fighting, no end in sight

I'm literally on edge over this news my heart is with the Ukraine military, I know they're struggling but they're not gonna give up Oleksandr Syrskyi's statement about the enemy's claims being false got me hyped like we gotta believe in our boys to win this thing and btw 45 enemy attacks repelled? that's like a major win for Ukraine!!! I'm all about those Ukrainian forces, they're giving it their all Avdiivka is so intense, heavy fire on both sides... I just wanna see the Russians stop and regroup, this stalemate has got to break what's next?

Man, this war between Russia and Ukraine is taking a huge toll on everyone involved. 45+ enemy attacks being repelled just shows how tough the fighting is getting. I'm thinking about those soldiers on both sides who are risking their lives every day. We can't even imagine what it's like to be in that situation.

The fact that the Russians aren't giving up, and they're throwing everything at Ukraine, it's just heartbreaking. But at the same time, you've got Ukrainian forces holding strong, repelling attacks left and right. It's a stalemate, but it's still so intense .

It's also scary to think about all the civilians getting caught in the middle of this. I mean, they're not even supposed to be fighting in the first place. What are we doing? Can't we just talk things through instead of resorting to violence?

Ugh this war is taking a toll on everyone involved I mean, 45 enemy attacks just getting repelled? It's not like the Ukrainian military is getting any help from other countries or anything... The Russians are just throwing everything they got at them and still can't make any progress. Bakhmut is such a critical city - if the Russians take it, that's a huge loss for Ukraine And those air strikes? So scary! I'm worried about all these civilians getting caught in the crossfire... Can we just hope both sides find a way to end this soon? It's been going on for so long already

I'm getting so tired of all this fighting ... I just want my kids to be safe and have a chance at growing up without the sound of war in the background. It's heartbreaking to think about the young lives lost on both sides - Ukraine and Russia. They're not kids, but they deserve our compassion and support. I worry about how this conflict will impact my own kids' future, will they be able to live in peace? The world feels so uncertain right now...

I'm so worried about the people living in Ukraine right now . The fighting is still super intense everywhere, especially around Bakhmut - it's like a war zone over there . I mean, 45 enemy attacks being repelled every day isn't nothing, you know? But at the same time, those Russian special forces are really struggling to make any progress . It's just so sad that these soldiers on both sides have to go through this . And what's really concerning is how much damage and loss of life there is - it's like a stalemate with no end in sight . I just hope the international community can do something to help bring some peace to the region .

I'm telling ya, back in my day we didn't have all these video game-like battle tactics... I mean, don't get me wrong, our army was top-notch, but this stuff is intense! 45 enemy attacks repelled? That's like, wow, you gotta see it to believe it! And now they're talking about counter-offensives? It's like a real-life game of Risk out there. I'm worried for the soldiers on both sides, though. Heavy losses are being taken by both Ukraine and Russia...

And what's with all these air strikes and rocket attacks? Can't we just talk it out like civilized nations? I know, I know, war is hell and all that jazz. But still, I'm old-fashioned, what can I say?

I think its all about supply chain , Russia's gonna be stuck in this endless fight 'cause they can't get the goods in . I mean think about it, if Ukraine can keep the fighting in Donetsk and Mariinka then Russia is just wasting resources everywhere . Theres gotta be some international pressure on Moscow to step up their game or just pull out already .

this is such a tough spot for everyone involved... the thought of these soldiers on both sides putting their lives on the line is just heartbreaking 45 enemy attacks repelled and yet the fighting is still so intense... it's like they're stuck in a never-ending cycle of violence and those civilians caught in the middle, trying to stay safe while trying to get back to normal life... my heart goes out to them all

I'm keepin' my fingers crossed for the people of Ukraine they're goin' through so much right now and it's heartbreaking to see all the destruction & loss of life... but at the same time I gotta believe that there's still hope 4 a peaceful resolution 2 this conflict. It's crazy 2 think about how far we've come in terms of diplomacy & international cooperation, let's keep workin' towards a better future for everyone

This whole thing feels like a never-ending cycle of push-and-pull... Russia's gotta keep trying to take Bakhmut, but Ukraine's always one step ahead, right? It's almost as if both sides are just stuck in this perpetual loop of "we'll hold our ground" vs "we'll break through"... but what's the real cost of all this fighting? I mean, how many lives, how much destruction... is it really about winning or losing, or is it just about survival at any price? The more I think about it, the more I realize that we're not even sure what's going on anymore - are they really trying to capture the city, or is it just a game of "let's see who can hold out longest"? It's like they're both just dancing around each other, waiting for someone to make a mistake... but who knows when that'll happen?

so its like what is happening in Ukraine right now? russian forces have been hitting ukraine nonstop for months and i think its getting pretty brutal like who wins this thing? can't see a way out for either side does anyone really know whats going on at the front lines or are they just trying to keep it secret

Man, this is just so draining watching these battles go on for what feels like forever Russia's been all over Ukraine, and it's crazy to think about the amount of lives lost and homes destroyed...but you know what? It's also giving me hope I mean, despite everything being super bleak right now, we're seeing this resilience from the Ukrainian people that's just incredible. They keep getting back up, fighting for their country, and it's not going to give up without a fight And let's be real, the military on both sides are putting in some serious work - it's like a never-ending game of "who can survive the longest"...but you know what's gonna win? The human spirit