Russia captures Ukraine stronghold Avdiivka: A strategic advantage or just a ‘symbolic’ win? Explained
Russian President Vladimir Putin personally sent congratulatory messages to his troops An ‘artificial deficit’ of arms for Ukraine risks giving Russia breathing space, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on withdrawing troops from Avdiivka. He further highlighted the need for artillery and long-range weapons.
Speaking at Munich Security Conference, Zelenskyy pointed out Ukraine is back on the defensive against Russia in the nearly 2-year-old war, hindered by low ammunition supplies and a shortage of personnel. “Ukrainians have proven that we can force Russia to retreat," he said.
“We can get our land back, and (Russian President Vladimir) Putin can lose, and this has already happened more than once on the battlefield." However, "our actions are limited only by ... our strength." “Dear friends, unfortunately keeping Ukraine in the artificial deficit of weapons, particularly in deficit of artillery and long-range capabilities, allows Putin to adapt to the current intensity of the war," Zelenskyy said and added, “The self-weakening of democracy over time undermines our joint results." Heavily fortified with a web of tunnels and concrete fortifications, Avdiivka lies in the northern suburbs of Donetsk, a city in a region of the same name that Russian forces partially occupy.
With less than 1,000 residents remaining out of its prewar population of 31,000, the city stands as a symbol of the ongoing struggle. Capturing Avdiivka could provide Moscow with a strategic advantage, potentially serving as a launching point for further advances in the region.
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