Russian President Vladimir Putin has praised the capture of Avdiivka, Ukraine, as an important victory after Ukraine’s military chief withdrew from the town after months of intense combat.
The move was Moscow’s biggest advance since it took Bakhmut last May and came days before the second anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion on Ukraine. The move is seen as the clearest sign yet of how the tide of the war has turned in Moscow’s favor after a Ukrainian counteroffensive failed to break through Russian lines last year
.U.S. President Joe Biden warned that Avdiivka could fall to Russian forces due to ammunition shortages following months of Republican congressional opposition to a new U.S. military aid package for Kyiv. A White House statement said the withdrawal had been forced upon Ukraine “by dwindling supplies as a result of congressional inaction,” forcing Ukrainian soldiers to ration ammunition and resulting in “Russia’s first notable gains in months.”
Capturing the city is likely to provide a morale boost for Russia ahead of Putin’s bid for re-election next month, which he is almost certain to win.Russia has not given details of its losses in the brutal fighting, but Ukrainian officials and Western military analysts say its advances have come at a staggering cost in terms of personnel and armoured vehicles. The White House has called for Congress to urgently pass the package to resupply Ukrainian forces.
Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said Avdiivka showed the need for modern air defense systems to counter guided bombs and long-range weapons to destroy enemy formations. Ukrainian forces have moved back to more secure positions outside the town to avoid encirclement and preserve the lives and health of servicemen.
(Reuters)
