As Ukraine restricts ammunition, small Russian assault units have established themselves in Avdiivka. White House National Security Spokesperson John Kirby warned of a risk that Avdiivka could fall to Russia.
Moscow has identified Bakhmut as a strategic objective ahead of the anniversary of their invasion; Ukrainian troops are making heroic attempts to defend it akin to their battle for Bakhmut last fall.
Military spokesman Dmytro Lykhoviy said the move was aimed at restraining the Russians
Ukraine is currently conducting an “operation in certain areas” of Avdiivka to withdraw troops into more advantageous positions and force Russia out of those positions, according to military spokesman Dmytro Lykhoviy on Thursday.
Avdiivka has been the scene of an ongoing and fierce clash between Ukrainian and Russian forces for months now, with Russia threatening to trap many troops within its boundaries. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s new commander-in-chief Gen. Oleksandr Syrsky vowed not to abandon his troops until Russia surrenders.
An RFE/RL military source reported that Ukraine is “beginning to withdraw some units from Avdiivka,” as Moscow’s advances become a greater threat. This move may signal that its complete withdrawal is imminent – where is home a massive coke and chemical plant.
Even after months of Russian shelling reduced Avdiivka to rubble, its residents have not fled in fear and remain in their homes despite multiple devastating attacks from Moscow. Questions arise as to whether Kyiv will relent and evacuate Avdiivka or continue fighting it to its conclusion; experts note that Ukrainian forces may have caused more losses to Russia than expected.
The Ukrainian Third Assault Brigade said it had been rushed to Avdiivka
Avdiivka has only about 1,000 of its prewar population left and features a sprawling coal plant at the core, making it the focal point of Ukraine’s fight against Russian forces. Yet Russian artillery has been bombarding this town for nearly two years and the Ukrainians are running out of shells to use against it.
Last week, President Volodymyr Zelensky made headlines when he took steps to replace popular military leaders such as Army Chief of Staff General Ihor Korzhevsky with new ones in what many saw as an attempt at restructuring Ukraine’s war effort. Fighting has escalated across various fronts with Ukrainian troops struggling to maintain morale despite shortages in ammunition supplies.
At Avdiivka, they have managed to defy all odds. Recently, however, Russian forces have unleashed an offensive that threatens encirclement for Ukrainian positions south and north as well as scores of soldiers fighting for Avdiivka’s crumbling infrastructure.
The 110th Separate Mechanized Brigade that holds Avdiivka has reported “critical losses”, leaving its ranks with only 200 soldiers remaining. To help defend Avdiivka from other areas and redeploy from elsewhere to do so. Spokesman Ivan Siekach informed his brigade on Telegram that Avdiivka remains extremely critical; adding that their raid on Russian positions near Hrushevsky Street caused “critical losses”.
The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) notes that Russian troops are maneuvering through Avdiivka
Russian forces are maintaining an offensive against Avdiivka, and it has become clear that Kyiv will need to retreat if it wishes to avoid defeat. Russia nearing two years after full-scale invasion is using deceit and brute force against Ukrainian troops near Avdiivka, according to observers.
The city, which occupies an exalted position above Donetsk Oblast and hosts the Avdiivka coke plant, has been subjected to bombardments by Russian artillery and airstrikes for months as Moscow attempts to surround and seize control. Analysts speculate that once Avdiivka is captured by Russia it will allow Moscow reposition itself for more coordinated advances against other parts of Ukraine’s frontline.
As Ukrainian commanders and military experts warn of an impending battle for Avdiivka that could rival that of Bakhmut, Kyiv has dispatched reinforcements but there is a growing possibility it may need to abandon it as fighting worsens and ammunition shortages become acute. With US $60bn aid package and limited DIB production capacities stalled, Ukraine’s military units in eastern front lines cannot receive adequate supplies to sustain themselves.
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