
Ukrainian forces have made the difficult decision to withdraw from the besieged town of Avdiivka in eastern Ukraine, marking a significant setback in the ongoing conflict with Russia. The withdrawal, announced by Ukraine’s new army chief, General Oleksandr Syrskyi,aims to prevent the encirclement of Ukrainian troops who have been battling Russian forces for months.
The move comes as Ukraine grapples with critical shortages of artillery rounds, with the delivery of much-needed U.S. military aid delayed for months due to opposition in Congress. General Syrskyi stated that the withdrawal was necessary to safeguard the lives and well-being of Ukrainian servicemen, who have been engaged in intense fighting against Russian forces.
The loss of Avdiivka, a town with a pre-war population of 32,000, represents a significant strategic setback for Ukraine, potentially strengthening President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s case for urgent military aid from Western allies. President Zelenskiy is expected to address the Munich Security Conference to appeal for increased support in the face of Russia’s escalating aggression.
The capture of Avdiivka is a crucial objective for Russia as it seeks to consolidate control over the industrial Donbas region. This victory could bolster President Vladimir Putin’s standing domestically as he faces reelection next month.
Avdiivka has endured relentless offensive pressure from Russian forces in recent months, exacerbating the fatigue of Ukrainian troops who have been on the front lines for nearly two years. Despite the withdrawal, General Syrskyi emphasised that efforts are underway to stabilise the situation and maintain Ukrainian positions in the region.
The intense fighting in Avdiivka underscores the challenges faced by Ukrainian forces, who have been outgunned and outnumbered by Russian troops. The Third Assault Brigade, a prominent Ukrainian infantry unit, described the fighting as “hell,” with Ukrainian defenders vastly outnumbered by Russian forces in some areas.
While the Russian Defence Ministry, President Zelenskyy, and the Ukrainian defence minister have not yet commented on the withdrawal, the situation remains fluid as both sides continue to vie for control in the region.
As Ukraine grapples with the loss of Avdiivka and the broader implications for the ongoing conflict, the international community faces mounting pressure to provide support and assistance to prevent further escalation and loss of life in the region.