The Ukrainian military has confirmed that Russian forces have been gaining ground in their two-month ground offensive in south-eastern Ukraine around the industrial city of Avdiivka. “Since October 10, when the enemy became more active, it has advanced by one and a half to two kilometres in some places,” Ukrainian military spokesman Oleksandr Shtupun said. “But that cost them a lot,” Shtupun said of the attacks along the front, particularly in Avdiivka, which is close to the Russian-occupied city of Donetsk. Shtupun acknowledged that Russian forces have superior numbers, during an appearance o…