Zelensky visits Ukrainian positions in Avdiivka amid fierce fighting.

President Volodymyr Zelensky has visited the positions of Ukraine's 110th Separate Mechanized Brigade in embattled Avdiivka as Russia tries to encircle the eastern town just kilometers from Russian-occupied Donetsk. Zelensky said he's discussed the situation on the battlefield and soldiers' primary needs with the brigade's commander. He presented soldiers with state awards and thanked them for their service.

"Today in Avdiivka, together with the team, we congratulated the soldiers with Christmas and New Year. All those who are on the front line, who protect our country," Zelensky said in a video address recorded near the road sign on the entrance to Avdiivka. "Infinite gratitude.

To all relatives, to every family of our heroes. To everyone who helps... who works to provide the guys at the front with what they need. And to everyone in the world who believes in us and does everything so that Ukraine can do more."

Russia intensified its attacks against Avdiivka, Donetsk Oblast, in early October, reportedly suffering heavy losses in an attempt to encircle the front-line town. Ukrainian forces have continued to defend the now-destroyed Avdiivka and largely prevented Russia from securing significant gains. Avdiivka still remains a primary direction of Russian attacks in the area, but Russian forces likely want to avoid actually entering the city and engaging in the type of brutal street combat that was seen in the battle for Bakhmut, according to the Ukrainian military.

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