ISW: Russian offensive in Avdiivka faces 'setbacks'.
-Russian forces faced a number of "setbacks" in their assault against the front-line city of Avdiivka in Donetsk Oblast, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) said in their Oct. 13 report.

Ukrainian forces in the area continued to repel Russian attacks, and used minefields to hinder Russian advances toward the city, the ISW reported.

According to claims from a Russian army volunteer, worn-out equipment is also reducing the accuracy of Russian artillery.

The ISW also noted that Russian sources released contradictory accounts regarding occupation of the Avdiivka Coke Plant.

"ISW has not observed any evidence to confirm that Russian forces control the plant as of publication," analysts said.

According to the ISW, Moscow may hope to spin its offensive in Avdiivka as proof that Ukraine's counteroffensive has failed. (Which they subsequently tried to do).
The ISW has previously reported that Ukraine's counteroffensive will continue into winter.

On Oct. 10, the ISW wrote that Russia's push on Avdiivka was meant to divert Ukrainian forces from other key areas of the front.

“Russian attacks along the Avdiivka-Donetsk City line are meant to prevent Ukrainians from transferring forces to Zaporizhia Oblast," the ISW said.