Russia says they gained ‘full control’ over Aviidvka, stronghold of Ukrainian troops

Russia officially claims “full control” of Avdiivka, an eastern Ukrainian city that was previously considered a bastion for Ukrainian troops

Russia said on Saturday that it has gained “full control” of Avdiivka, an eastern Ukrainian city that was previously thought to be a bastion for Ukrainian troops, marking a major advance in the continuing war in Eastern Europe. The Russian announcement came, shortly after declaring that the protection of soldiers’ lives was the main justification, Kyiv withdrew its forces from the city.

Officially, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu informed President Vladimir Putin about the progress. Putin then congratulated the armed forces on this crucial win, according to a statement from the Russian Defense Ministry. Putin’s praise for Avdiivka’s conquest was conveyed to state media by Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, who also emphasized its strategic significance.

Russian troops’ numerical advantage on the battlefield and acute ammunition shortages were blamed for the Ukrainian withdrawal. The industrial center had been under Russian military occupation since October. This action followed their increased efforts. Russia’s biggest victory since May occurred with the fall of Avdiivka.

Speaking at a security conference in Munich, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stressed the importance of protecting Ukrainian lives and underscored that the retreat was a strategic choice to prevent encirclement and did not represent a Russian win. Oleksandr Syrsky, the recently designated supreme commander of Ukraine, confirmed this idea and the planned retreat to more defendable locations. Following his appointment, this was Syrsky’s first significant military action.

US President Joe Biden and Ukrainian authorities have both criticized the US government for delaying a $60 billion military assistance deal for Ukraine, which has made matters more problematic. Ukrainian soldiers’ struggles have been connected to the delay, which has been ascribed to legislative inaction. Still, Zelensky was upbeat after speaking with Biden, who reassured him of US assistance going forward.

A new facet to the battle has been introduced with the takeover of Avdiivka, a city in the Donetsk area of strategic importance. With only 1,000 people living there, the city, which was home to 30,000 people before the war, has been completely devastated. This evolution reflects the brutal reality of the conflict, which lasted for over two years and was marked by significant losses as well as the conversion of cities into combat zones. Though scholars and military officials continue to discuss the long-term ramifications of Russia’s claimed strategic win, it is unclear whether there is overall potential for a major breakthrough.

Source: AFP