Ukraine Reinforces Embattled Stronghold as Russia Advances.

Ukraine has sent reinforcements to the city of Avdiivka in response to an advance by Russian forces. The new military chief, Oleksandr Syrskyi, is leading the effort to defend the city, which is facing a three-pronged attack. Russia is taking advantage of Ukraine's low ammunition supply and stalled US backing in Congress. Avdiivka is a priority for the Kremlin, but even if Russia succeeds in taking the city, it would not provide significant strategic gain. Ukraine has also claimed to have destroyed a Russian warship off the coast of Crimea. Ground operations have largely halted, and Ukraine is now focused on defending its controlled areas. [Extracted from the article]