Without Ukrainian army, Russia has full control of Avdiivka

This Saturday morning (17), in a strategic move, Ukraine ordered the withdrawal of its army from Avdiivka, the epicenter of the fiercest fighting in the region, about to complete two years since the beginning of the war. The decision was accompanied by a statement from Russia, which stated that it had assumed “total control” of the city. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky justified the withdrawal as a measure to “save life” of soldiers, amid intense battles that culminated in the Russian takeover of the strategic location.

“Based on the operational situation around Avdiivka, in order to avoid encirclement and preserve the life and health of the military, I decided to withdraw our units from the city and continue the defense on more favorable lines”, said the new commander-in-chief, Oleksander Sirski, in a statement released on social media. It was his first major military decision since taking command.Â

_{Sirsky makes a big decision after taking on his new role (Source: reproduction/Ukrinform/Avalon/Profimedia)}

After tough battles and an imminent siege, Ukraine made the difficult decision to withdraw its troops from Avdiivka, a strategic city on the front line of the war. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky defended the measure as essential to “save the lives” of soldiers, as reports of desperate clashes and captures of soldiers emerge from the region. Meanwhile, world leaders meet in Munich, seeking to reinforce support for Ukraine in the face of growing Russian pressure and the urgent need for military resources.

Avdiivka falls after two years of Ukrainian resistance

After a heroic resistance that lasted two years, Avdiivka, in Donetsk province, finally fell into Russian hands. The city, which became a symbol of Ukrainian determination in the face of the Russian invasion, now represents the Kremlin's greatest symbolic victory since the failure of the Ukrainian counteroffensive. Analysts note that this achievement gives Russia the ability to open new lines of attack, consolidating its dominance in the Donbass region and freeing up resources for advances in other directions.

The capture of Avdiivka marks a turning point in the war, signaling a significant advance for Russian forces. The Ukrainian commander, Oleksandr Sirski, recognized the need for the withdrawal, citing the precarious operational situation and the objective of preserving the lives and health of soldiers. However, the loss of Avdiivka represents a blow to Kiev and increases pressure on President Zelensky to secure international support and bolster Ukrainian defenses.

Save soldiers' lives

The withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from Avdiivka was a painful but necessary decision in the face of intensifying Russian attacks and the imminent risk of encirclement. General Oleksandr Tarnavsky, who commanded the Avdiivka area, defended the measure as “the only correct decision” given the extreme circumstances. Reports of desperate clashes and captures of soldiers highlight the brutality of the fighting and the challenges faced by Ukrainian troops.

Meanwhile, world leaders express concern about the escalation of the conflict and renew calls for a diplomatic solution. President Zelensky's trip to Germany and France resulted in the signing of security agreements, and the reinforcement of military support for Ukraine, amid growing tensions in the region. However, the suspension of US military aid and political disputes in Washington highlight the challenges faced by the Ukrainian government in seeking resources and international support.

The withdrawal from Avdiivka marks a critical point in the war in Ukraine, with significant repercussions for the ongoing conflict and security in the region. While Russia celebrates an important symbolic victory, Ukraine faces increasing challenges and seeks to secure international support to face growing Russian pressure. Avdiivka's fate and the future of the war remain uncertain. Meanwhile, world leaders seek a diplomatic solution to the ongoing conflict.

Featured photo: city of Avdiivka, in Ukraine, with broken buildings and now, under Russian rule. (Source: reproduction/Kostiantyn Lieberov/Libkos/Getty Images)