Ukrainian troops have withdrawn from the strategic city of Avdiivka to avoid encirclement by Russian forces.
Army chief Oleksandr Syrskyi announced the withdrawal in a Facebook post on Saturday, citing the need to “preserve the lives and health of servicemen” and to reposition troops to more defensible lines.
The withdrawal marks the most substantial change in the frontlines since Russian forces captured Bakhmut in May of the previous year. Avdiivka, once a Ukrainian military stronghold, has been under intense Russian bombardment for months.
However, recent weeks have seen significant breakthroughs by Russian forces, with small groups penetrating into the city.
Syrskyi praised the efforts of Ukrainian soldiers, stating they “performed their military duty with dignity” and inflicted significant losses on the Russian military.
However, the pressure on Ukrainian forces has been mounting, with depleted ranks, exhausted troops, and a critical shortage of artillery shells exacerbated by stalled US funding.
The decision to withdraw from Avdiivka comes amidst fears that the city was on the brink of falling under Russian control.
John Kirby, the White House national security spokesperson, highlighted the risk, attributing it largely to the dwindling artillery ammunition supplies of Ukrainian forces.
The loss of Avdiivka would grant Russia full control over the surrounding area, including Donetsk, a major Ukrainian city seized by Russian proxy forces in 2014.
Symbolically, it would be a significant gain for Russian President Vladimir Putin, particularly as he prepares for an upcoming election that is widely seen as a formality to extend his time in office.
The situation in Avdiivka has been dire for civilians as well, with the once-thriving industrial city now decimated by fighting.
Mayor Vitaliy Barabash reported that only a fraction of the prewar population remains, mostly elderly individuals who have refused to leave despite the intensifying violence.
Fierce battles have raged around Avdiivka since October, with Ukrainian forces describing the situation as “hell.” Despite reinforcements sent by Syrskyi to aid in the defense, the possibility of a Russian takeover looms large.
The withdrawal from Avdiivka raises questions about the effectiveness of Ukraine’s military strategy and leadership.
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s recent decision to replace his top army commander, citing the need for a new approach, underscores the challenges faced by Ukrainian forces.
While some argue that the loss of Avdiivka may be inevitable, others express concerns about the human cost of holding onto the city.
Ukrainian soldiers on the ground worry about the potential for further loss of life in a battle they believe may ultimately be futile.
As the conflict in Eastern Ukraine enters its sixth year, the withdrawal from Avdiivka underscores the ongoing struggle faced by Ukrainian forces against Russian aggression.
The international community continues to watch closely as the situation unfolds, with the fate of Avdiivka serving as a grim reminder of the human toll of war.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members