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Russian forces have continued to pummel the eastern Ukrainian town of Avdiivka from the ground and air on Friday, the fourth day of intense fighting in the biggest offensive by Russian forces in months, Reuters reports.

Ukraine said its forces were holding their ground but Vitaliy Barabash, the head of Avdiivka's military administration, said the town was under constant attack from air, artillery and large numbers of troops.

The battles have been going on for four days now. Fierce and really non-stop ... They are firing from everything they have available.

It was a very hot night in Avdiivka. There were several airstrikes on the city itself ... the attacks do not stop day or night.