New Delhi, Feb 17: Ukrainian forces have announced the withdrawal from Avdiivka, a pivotal town that has witnessed intense battles in recent months. Avdiivka, besieged by Russian forces for an extended period, has become emblematic of the fierce struggles in the region.
The decision to withdraw came in the wake of escalated attacks by Moscow, which unleashed airstrikes, artillery bombardments, and ground assaults with armoured vehicles and soldiers.
Its fall marks a substantial gain for Russia since the capture of Bakhmut last year, underscoring a shift in momentum favouring Russian President Vladimir Putin’s agenda.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky cited the imperative to safeguard soldiers’ lives as the primary motive behind the withdrawal. The assaults have decimated Avdiivka, with the majority of its pre-war population of over 30,000 having fled, leaving the city in ruins.
Zelensky attributed the challenges faced by Ukraine, including ammunition and manpower shortages, to faltering Western weapons supplies. He called upon Western nations to support Ukraine in countering what he termed “the monster” represented by Putin.
The fall of Avdiivka is a significant development, marking the most substantial shift on the extensive front line since the capture of Bakhmut by Russian forces. General Oleksandr Syrskyi, recently appointed as the head of Ukraine’s armed forces, emphasised the necessity of avoiding encirclement and preserving the well-being of service personnel.
Despite ongoing efforts to stabilise the situation and maintain positions, Ukraine’s reliance on Western assistance, particularly from the US, is critical. However, political hurdles in the US, including delays in approving foreign aid packages, have exacerbated Ukraine’s challenges on the battlefield.
Avdiivka’s significance stems from its longstanding status as a frontline town since the conflict erupted in 2014, following the seizure of territories by Russian-backed fighters in the Donbas region. Despite Ukrainian efforts to regain lost territory, Russia’s military aggression continues to pose formidable challenges, with wavering support from Western allies further complicating Ukraine’s plight.
As Ukraine’s new army chief, General Syrskyi faces a daunting task in reasserting control and repelling Russian advances. The situation around Avdiivka continues to remain aggressive and tense.