Ukrainian Troops Withdraw from Avdiivka, Paving the Way for Russian Advance
In a significant development in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, Ukrainian troops have withdrawn from the key battleground town of Avdiivka in the east of the country. This withdrawal could potentially pave the way for a Russian advance as the war nears its second anniversary. The decision to withdraw was made as Ukraine faces acute shortages of ammunition, with U.S. military aid delayed for months in Congress. The aim of the withdrawal was to save troops from being fully surrounded by Russian forces after months of fierce fighting, according to Kyiv.
Avdiivka, once a bustling town with a population of 32,000 people, has been almost completely destroyed. Most of its pre-war population has already left, leaving behind a ghost town ravaged by war. The withdrawal comes at a critical time as Russia intensifies its offensive on Avdiivka, and Ukraine’s position becomes increasingly precarious. The Third Assault Brigade, a prominent Ukrainian infantry assault unit, was rushed into the town to reinforce troops as other Ukrainian forces pulled back from the southeast.
General Oleksandr Syrskyi, who recently assumed command of the Ukrainian military in a major shakeup, announced the withdrawal as a tactical move to save lives. He stated, “I decided to withdraw our units from the town and move to defense from more favorable lines in order to avoid encirclement and preserve the lives and health of servicemen.” Despite the withdrawal, he emphasized that Ukrainian soldiers had performed their duty with dignity and inflicted significant losses on the enemy.
The timing of this withdrawal is crucial for both sides. For Russia, it represents a major victory and is seen as their biggest gain since capturing the city of Bakhmut in May 2023. It serves as a morale boost ahead of the second anniversary of Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24 and the upcoming presidential election in Russia in March. Additionally, the recent news of the death of Putin critic and opposition leader Alexei Navalny has further heightened tensions.
The United States, Ukraine’s biggest supporter, has been unable to provide much-needed artillery shells due to political disagreements among American lawmakers. Approximately $60 billion in aid for Ukraine is being held up, further exacerbating the ammunition shortage. However, earlier this month, all 27 countries of the European Union agreed on a €50 billion ($54 billion) financial aid package for Ukraine, providing some relief.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been actively seeking military support from Western allies. He recently made a trip to western Europe to press for continued assistance. Speaking at the Munich security conference, Zelenskyy urged Western countries to help Ukraine defeat Putin, emphasizing that the war poses a threat to the entire world. He questioned why Russia continues to be allowed to act with impunity and called for a united effort to dismantle Putin’s regime.
The withdrawal from Avdiivka highlights the challenges faced by Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression. As the war enters its second year, the situation remains tense and uncertain. The devastation inflicted upon Avdiivka serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of this conflict. The international community must come together to support Ukraine and find a peaceful resolution to this ongoing crisis.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information from various sources and does not reflect the views or opinions of any specific organization or individual mentioned.
