Ukraine says its forces have withdrawn from the embattled eastern town of Avdiivka, marking a significant setback in their offensive against Russian aggression.
General Oleksandr Syrskyi, head of the Ukrainian armed forces, cited the need to "avoid encirclement and preserve the lives and health of service personnel" as the reason for the strategic retreat.
Avdiivka has faced intense attacks from Russia for months and has been a significant conflict zone since 2014. The town, which once had over 30,000 residents, has been nearly destroyed, leading to the evacuation of its inhabitants.
The withdrawal comes amidst concerns about dwindling ammunition supplies for Ukrainian forces, primarily due to political delays in the US, their main supplier.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, addressing the Munich security conference, urged for increased support to combat "the monster," referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin. He warned that Putin's actions could have catastrophic consequences for many nations if the West fails to intervene.
Gen. Syrskyi commended the Ukrainian troops for their valiant efforts and inflicted significant losses on the enemy. He emphasized that Ukrainian forces are taking measures to stabilize the situation and maintain their positions.
Deputy Gen. Oleksandr Tarnavskyi justified the withdrawal, citing overwhelming Russian advancement and artillery advantage. He stressed that this strategic move was crucial under such circumstances.
Concerns about dwindling ammunition supplies to Ukraine were previously voiced by US National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby.
The US Senate recently approved a $95 billion foreign aid package, including $60 billion for Ukraine, but its passage through the House of Representatives remains uncertain. Ukraine heavily relies on Western military assistance to sustain its defense against Russia's superior military force.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg previously warned that the delay in approving US military aid to Ukraine was already impacting the battlefield.
The fall of Avdiivka marks a crucial shift in the ongoing conflict, raising concerns about further potential Ukrainian retreats due to ammunition limitations. While Ukrainian forces have displayed extraordinary resilience, the coming months will be critical in determining the war's trajectory and the impact of Western support.
