Ukraine withdraws troops from a part of ‘hell’ metropolis Avdiivka

Feb 16, 2024 at 7:55 PM
Ukraine withdraws troops from a part of ‘hell’ metropolis Avdiivka

Ukraine’s navy has stated outnumbered troops have been withdrawn from a part of the jap metropolis of Avdiivka.

The determination comes as battles escalate within the area, however Ukraine insists the withdrawal from the southeastern a part of town offers no strategic benefit for Russia.

Speaking on Telegram, the commander of Ukraine’s southeastern sector Oleksandr Tarnavskyi stated items have been eliminated with minor losses.

“In a difficult battlefield situation, when only ruins and a pile of broken bricks remain from the fortification, our priority is to save the soldiers’ lives,” he stated.

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One of Ukraine’s most distinguished combating items, the Third Assault Brigade, had lately been rushed to Avdiivka to bolster troops there.

The brigade described the scenario within the metropolis as “hell” and “threatening and unstable”, however that it had carried out a raid towards Russian forces in components of the city and inflicted heavy casualties.

A Ukrainian serviceman stands next to residential buildings heavily damaged by permanent Russian military strikes in the front line town of Avdiivka, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Donetsk region, Ukraine November 8, 2023. Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty/Serhii Nuzhnenko via REUTERS
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Avdiivka. Pic: Reuters

Why is town vital?

Russia is making an attempt to encircle and seize Avdiivka almost two years after its full-scale invasion of Ukraine and Kyiv’s foothold within the city seems more and more shaky, with its provide traces threatened.

Russian forces have been making an attempt to advance in town since October and have surrounded it on three sides, leaving restricted resupply routes for the Ukrainian troops dug in there.

Nearly two years after its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, capturing the jap metropolis is considered as key to Moscow’s purpose of securing full management of the 2 provinces that make up the economic Donbas area.

It would additionally hand Vladimir Putin a strategy to justify the struggle as he seeks re-election next month.

A view shows residential buildings heavily damaged by permanent Russian military strikes in the front line town of Avdiivka, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Donetsk region, Ukraine November 8, 2023. Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty/Serhii Nuzhnenko via REUTERS
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Pic: Reuters

A local resident walks next to residential buildings heavily damaged by permanent Russian military strikes in the front line town of Avdiivka, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Donetsk region, Ukraine November 8, 2023. Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty/Serhii Nuzhnenko via REUTERS
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Pic: Reuters

Zelenskyy requires western assist

It comes as Volodymyr Zelenskyy made a visit to western Europe at present in a bid to press allies to proceed to supply navy assist.

The Ukrainian president signed a bilateral safety settlement with Germany, and is about to signal one other with France later at present.

Speaking in Berlin, Mr Zelenskyy stated his troops are “heroically defending strategic points and logistic routes”.

“Regarding Avdiivka, the situation there has been ongoing for several days,” he stated.

Employees of the Ukrainian embassy in Germany welcome Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy after his arrival at an airport in Berlin, Germany February 16, 2024. Ukrainian Presidential Press Service/Handout via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY.
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President Zelenskyy in Berlin. Pic: Ukrainian Presidential Press Service/Reuters

“We remember what Russia does with our cities and villages. They will not stop until they completely destroy everything living there.”

He added: “I know in detail what is happening. I am in contact with our military leadership. I will not speak about the new military approaches they are using.

“Their activity is to do every part to guard our individuals above all else.”

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Earlier this week, the United States senate accredited a $95bn overseas help package deal which included $60bn in assist for Ukraine.

White House spokesperson John Kirby stated on the time that Avdiivka was prone to falling to the Russians attributable to a scarcity of artillery ammunition.