US Warns of Potential Russian Seizure of Key Ukrainian Town Avdiivka
The town of Avdiivka in eastern Ukraine is at risk of falling into Russian control, according to a warning issued by the US National Security Council. Avdiivka has been the site of intense fighting in recent months, and Russian troops have made significant gains, threatening to encircle the town. Avdiivka is seen as a gateway to Donetsk, the regional Ukrainian capital that was seized by Russian-backed fighters in 2014 and later annexed by Moscow.
The US has expressed concern over Ukraine’s ammunition shortages, stating that the Ukrainian forces on the ground are running out of artillery ammunition. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby explained that Russia is sending conscript forces to attack Ukrainian positions, and without sufficient artillery shells, Ukraine is struggling to disrupt these assaults. The US Senate recently approved a $95 billion foreign aid package, including $60 billion for Ukraine, but it still needs to pass through the House of Representatives.
Ukraine heavily relies on weapons supplies from the US and other Western allies to continue its fight against Russia. NATO Secretary General Jen Stoltenberg has warned that the US failure to approve continued military assistance to Ukraine is already impacting the battlefield. President Volodymyr Zelensky has vowed to do everything possible to save Ukrainian lives and ensure that Ukrainian warriors have the necessary capabilities.
President Zelensky is visiting Berlin and Paris to sign security pacts with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron. This follows a similar agreement on security cooperation signed between Ukraine and the UK in January. Ukrainian General Oleksandr Tarnavsky acknowledged that fierce battles are taking place within Avdiivka but emphasized that the preservation of Ukrainian soldiers’ lives is the highest priority.
Ukrainian troops in Avdiivka have been forced to move to more advantageous positions due to the overwhelming Russian forces. Some soldiers have privately admitted that the town could fall at any moment. Ukrainian officer Oleksii from the 110th Mechanised Brigade expressed frustration over ammunition shortages, stating that they currently only have two shells but no explosive charges to fire them. The shortages are having a dramatic impact on the fighting in Avdiivka, with soldiers armed only with assault rifles.
Ukraine’s newly appointed commander-in-chief, Oleksandr Syrskyi, visited the frontline in the Avdiivka area and acknowledged the difficult situation. He criticized the Russian military for not counting losses and using their troops as cannon fodder. In response to the escalating situation, an elite Ukrainian brigade has been sent to Avdiivka, and reserve artillery has been deployed.
As tensions continue to rise in Avdiivka, the international community is closely watching the developments and urging for a resolution to prevent further escalation of the conflict. The fate of this key Ukrainian town hangs in the balance, with the potential for a Russian seizure looming over its war-torn streets.
