Russian Forces Capture Avdiivka: Ukrainian Soldiers Describe Brutal Retreat
In a devastating blow to Ukrainian forces, Russian troops have successfully captured the city of Avdiivka after a fierce battle that lasted for four months. The fall of Avdiivka, a stronghold on the eastern front, came as a result of relentless Russian artillery and glide bomb attacks that destroyed buildings and broke through concrete bunkers. Ukrainian soldiers, who were heavily outnumbered, described the retreat as dangerous and costly, with many losing their lives along the way.
The fighting at the Zenith air-defense base, located just a mile south of Avdiivka, had intensified in the past month. Ukrainian soldiers from the 110th Mechanized Brigade had been defending the southern approaches to the city for years. However, Russian troops surrounded them and launched a relentless assault from all sides, using tanks, artillery, and mortar fire to destroy their defenses.
Senior Soldier Viktor Biliak, who had spent 620 days defending the base, explained the dire situation: “All the fortifications were being destroyed and there was no possibility to build new ones.” The Ukrainian soldiers were overwhelmed by the Russian firepower and suffered heavy casualties. As the Russians broke through at strategic points, Avdiivka quickly became overrun with enemy fighters.
The capture of Avdiivka marks a significant gain for the Russians after nine months of fighting. Ukrainian forces, already struggling with shortages of ammunition and manpower, were unable to hold the city. According to Shaman, a commander of the 25th Separate Battalion, the lack of ammunition was a major factor in their defeat. With sufficient artillery, Ukrainian troops could have targeted Russian supplies and logistics behind enemy lines, preventing reinforcements from arriving.
The Ukrainian soldiers who survived the battle expressed their frustration at the lack of support they received. Roman, from the Territorial Defense Force, recalled the difficulties they faced: “We did not have support.” The casualties suffered by his unit were devastating, with only eight out of the original 20 members remaining. The loss of Avdiivka resulted in hundreds of Ukrainian casualties, although there is no official count.
While Ukrainian officials claim that Russian casualties were higher due to Ukrainian artillery fire and drone strikes, the Russian troops continued their relentless assault. They managed to penetrate the city from the north and south, breaking through Ukrainian positions and reaching the residential areas. The situation became increasingly dire as Russian aerial bombardment intensified, with up to 100 glide bombs being dropped daily.
The Ukrainian soldiers described the constant fear they experienced during the battle. Patrick, a soldier, recounted the terrifying moments when the bombs fell: “When a KAB falls, you wonder whether the concrete will fall on you and they will not be able to dig you out.” Russian drones also posed a constant threat, with medics racing to evacuate wounded soldiers while being pursued by enemy drones.
By early February, Russian troops were on the verge of encircling Avdiivka and cutting off the last two roads out of the city. Ukrainian commanders ordered reinforcements to secure the main road for the withdrawal of troops, but their plans quickly became obsolete as the situation changed rapidly. Russian forces seized control of the main road on February 13 and began advancing towards the last remaining route.
The Ukrainian soldiers at the Zenith air base received orders to evacuate, but the retreat was perilous. The soldiers faced constant artillery fire as they made their way out of the city. Many did not survive the journey, and those who regrouped at the edge of Avdiivka continued falling back towards the only road out. Despite their efforts to repel Russian attacks, Ukrainian troops could not stop the flow of enemy forces.
Stugna, a military intelligence unit, played a crucial role in holding the road at two junctions as Ukrainian troops withdrew from the city. Dmytro, the unit’s commander, described the intense battle: “To stop a group of 30 people, you would need 50 shells.” Despite their limited resources, Stugna managed to hold their ground and ensure the safe withdrawal of Ukrainian soldiers.
However, not all soldiers made it out alive. Six men were left behind and subsequently captured and killed by Russian troops. The Ukrainian soldiers who survived the retreat mourned the loss of their comrades and acknowledged the high death toll in Avdiivka.
The fall of Avdiivka serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by Ukrainian forces in their ongoing conflict with Russia. As they regroup in villages and training grounds, Ukrainian soldiers reflect on the devastating defeat and the need for greater support, particularly in terms of ammunition. The capture of Avdiivka is a significant setback, but the Ukrainian soldiers remain determined to continue their fight against Russian aggression.
