Ukrainian forces have retreated from the strategically significant eastern town of Avdiivka after enduring months of intense combat. The town, which had become a focal point of fierce fighting on the eastern front, witnessed escalated attacks from Moscow, including airstrikes, artillery bombardment, and ground assaults by armored vehicles and soldiers.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, speaking at the Munich Security Conference, clarified that the decision to withdraw from Avdiivka aimed to “save our soldiers’ lives.” He stressed that the retreat did not signify a substantial territorial loss but was a strategic maneuver to prevent encirclement.
Avdiivka has been a battleground since 2014, when Russian-backed fighters seized portions of the Donbas region, including the nearby city of Donetsk. The town had faced relentless attacks since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022.
The withdrawal decision was supported by Ukraine’s southern forces commander, Oleksandr Tarnavskyi, who highlighted the severe conditions faced by Ukrainian troops, including overwhelming enemy firepower and incessant bombardment. Tarnavskyi noted Russia’s numerical superiority in personnel, artillery, and aviation.
Moscow’s forces conducted numerous airstrikes and artillery attacks in the area over the past 24 hours, resulting in substantial destruction and capturing some Ukrainian troops during the withdrawal.
The decision to pull back followed a visit to the front lines in Avdiivka by Ukraine’s new military chief, Oleksandr Syrskyi, and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, who pledged reinforcements to halt the enemy’s advance. However, Ukrainian forces on the ground described dire conditions, with the enemy closing in from all directions.
Syrskyi defended the withdrawal on social media, citing the need to avoid encirclement and prioritize the safety of servicemen. He assured that Ukrainian soldiers had inflicted significant losses on the enemy and stressed the importance of stabilizing the situation.
Despite the setback, Russia views the capture of Avdiivka as a strategic gain, dealing a blow to Ukraine’s efforts to regain territory. Renewed Russian offensives along the frontline raise concerns about Ukraine’s ability to withstand the conflict, exacerbated by critical shortages of ammunition and strain on US military aid.
Ukrainian commanders express appreciation for their soldiers’ bravery and suggest the potential for a future counteroffensive. The upcoming Russian presidential election in March adds complexity, with President Putin seeking reelection and potentially using military victories in Ukraine for political gain.
Looking ahead to 2024, NATO allies fear further Russian aggression following Putin’s expected victory in the elections, seen as a mere formality by outside observers.
