The United States has issued a warning that Russia could seize control of Avdiivka, a key eastern town in Ukraine that has been the site of intense fighting in recent months. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby expressed concerns over Ukraine's ammunition shortages, stating that Avdiivka is at risk of falling into Russian control.

 

The town of Avdiivka, which has suffered extensive destruction, holds strategic significance as a gateway to nearby Donetsk, the regional capital seized by Russian-backed fighters in 2014. Russian troops have made significant gains in Avdiivka, threatening to encircle it and potentially gain control of the area.

 

Kirby emphasized that Ukrainian forces on the ground are running low on artillery ammunition, making it difficult for them to repel Russian assaults effectively. He highlighted Russia's deployment of conscript forces to attack Ukrainian positions and underscored the urgent need for additional support from the US.

 

Despite recent approval of a $95 billion foreign aid package, including $60 billion for Ukraine, by the US Senate, the House of Representatives has yet to pass the bill. This delay has hindered efforts to provide Ukraine with the necessary resources to defend against Russian aggression.

 

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg echoed concerns about the impact of delayed military assistance on the battlefield, emphasizing the importance of continued support for Ukraine.

 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky vowed to prioritize saving Ukrainian lives and emphasized the need for managerial and technological capabilities to counter Russian aggression. He is scheduled to visit Berlin and Paris to sign security pacts with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron.

 

Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces in Avdiivka are engaged in fierce battles, with reports indicating that they are being forced to retreat from some positions due to overwhelming Russian pressure. Despite the challenging situation, Ukrainian troops remain committed to defending their territory against Russian incursions.

 

The Russian military's aggressive tactics, coupled with Ukraine's ammunition shortages, pose significant challenges for Ukrainian forces. However, Kyiv has deployed elite brigades and reserve artillery to bolster its defenses in Avdiivka.

In the face of mounting pressure, Ukraine remains resolute in its determination to defend its sovereignty and protect its citizens from Russian aggression.

 

17.02.24

Source

 

 

Interesting. I didn't watch the video.

 

My morning's review of UK and Russian news websites seems to indicate that while Ukraine is meeting EU and Nato people in Munich, Ukraine are evacuating on the orders of the new general, Aleksandr Syrsky whose press release claimed: "Based on the operational situation around Avdiivka, in order to avoid encirclement and preserve the lives and health of servicemen, I decided to withdraw our units from the city and move to defense on more favorable lines”.

 

Avdiivka is 3/4s surrounded, and apparently the elite troops haven't stopped the rot. English language Western press generally are saying that this is not a Ukrainian defeat but use the old canard that Russia has lost so many men that this is a pyrrhic victory for them, secured, at great cost, only to give Putin something to talk about on the second anniversary of the war. Russia notes that Ukraine are withdrawing and unsurprisingly see this as a victory and morale booster for them, but don't, as usual, give an account of the lives lost etc. By their account there is now hand to hand street fighting. 

 

The old adage, of course, is that the first casualty in war is truth itself. Some one is spinning. 

 

Summary taken from various sources Independent, Guardian and RT.

Title should be edited to read "Avdiivka has Fallen". The Danish YouTube  Ukraine War commentator Weeb Union reports 100's or more Ukrainian soldiers left behind. It was reckless not to have pulled back a couple weeks ago when it was obvious the town could not be defended. 

On 2/18/2024 at 7:07 AM, pegman said:

Title should be edited to read "Avdiivka has Fallen". The Danish YouTube  Ukraine War commentator Weeb Union reports 100's or more Ukrainian soldiers left behind. It was reckless not to have pulled back a couple weeks ago when it was obvious the town could not be defended. 

Indeed. The fat lady has sung and Adiivka is now in Russian hands.

Just now, thaibeachlovers said:

Indeed. The fat lady has sung and Adiivka is now in Russian hands.

Have you topped it off with a celebration cigar yet?

On 2/17/2024 at 3:41 PM, retarius said:

English language Western press generally are saying that this is not a Ukrainian defeat but use the old canard that Russia has lost so many men that this is a pyrrhic victory for them, secured, at great cost, only to give Putin something to talk about on the second anniversary of the war.

Having been bigging up the Ukrainians for so long it's going to be soooo embarrassing to accept a Russian victory. I'd love to be in the room with Biden when he got the news.

 

For those that say there is nothing gained by the Russians, just look at a map. There is everything to be gained from removing a salient into Russian held territory.

Yay, I won!