British intel: Ukraine and Russia clash in three hotspots, but frontline remains stable

Russia continued to suffer heavy casualties during the Avdiivka offensive, the British intelligence reported in its daily update on the Russo-Ukrainian war on 18 November 2023. Over the last week, the most intense ground combat has been taking place in three areas, namely on the Kupiansk axis, in the Luhansk and Kharkiv Oblasts of eastern Ukraine; around Avdiivka in the Donetsk Oblast (eastern Ukraine); and on the east bank of the Dnipro River in the Russian-occupied part of the Kherson Oblast (southern Ukraine), where Ukrainian forces have established a bridgehead.

"Neither side has achieved substantial progress in any of these areas. Russia continues to suffer particularly heavy casualties around Avdiivka," British intel reported.

According to multiple eyewitness reports, small kamikaze drones and artillery (especially cluster munitions) "continue to play a major role in disrupting the attacks of both sides," British intel reported. There are few immediate prospects of major changes in the frontline as colder winter weather sets in eastern Ukraine, according to British intel. Related:

• ISW: Ukraine prepares for ground operations on east bank of Dnipro River
• Weekly Frontline Update: Cluster munitions save Ukraine from Russian onslaught on eastern front
• Ukraine’s grim toll: Over 30,000 defenders killed in war with Russia, civic group says