Russia captures Ukrainian soldiers during withdrawal from Avdiivka
The commander of southern Ukraine forces has reported that Russian forces captured some Ukrainian soldiers during the withdrawal of Kyiv forces from the key town of Avdiivka. This comes as Ukraine announced its withdrawal from the town after heavy fighting, including intense airstrikes, artillery bombardment, and ground assaults by Russian forces.
According to the commander of southern Ukraine forces, Oleksandr Tarnavskyi, the withdrawal from Avdiivka was the only correct solution as Russian troops were “numerically superior in personnel, artillery, and aviation.” He also stated that Russian forces were bombarding the city and practically wiping it off the face of the earth with airstrikes and artillery strikes.
Ukraine’s new military chief Oleksandr Syrskyi and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov had visited the front lines in Avdiivka just days before the withdrawal, pledging to send reinforcements to prevent the enemy from advancing deeper. However, Ukrainian forces fighting to hold the city described “hellish” conditions and the enemy “coming in from all sides.”
Syrskyi said that he ordered the withdrawal “to avoid encirclement and preserve the life and health of the military” and that he was moving troops to defend “more favorable lines.” He added that Ukrainian soldiers had done everything possible to destroy the best Russian military units and inflicted significant losses on the enemy in terms of manpower and equipment.
The withdrawal from Avdiivka marks a tangible gain for Moscow and represents an undoubted blow for Ukraine. The town’s capture makes Donetsk, which is under Russian control, much better protected and more difficult for Ukraine to attack. Additionally, it has a huge coke plant and a railway line, which could facilitate more efficient Russian supply lines.
Ukraine’s withdrawal comes as the country faces a renewed Russian offensive along much of the front line, with intense fighting in the northeast. The recent wave of Russian offensives also comes at a time when Ukraine has said it is facing a serious shortage of ammunition, essential for its troops on the battlefield. President Joe Biden’s national security adviser warned late last year: “We are running out of money and almost out of time.”
The capture of Avdiivka stands as a stark reminder of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the challenges faced by Ukrainian forces in the face of relentless Russian attacks. With Moscow’s forces on the offensive and Ukraine grappling with ammunition shortages and dwindling Western support, the conflict shows no signs of abating.