Ukrainian Forces Pushed Back Again... Shortage of Troops and Weapons

As the war in Ukraine, triggered by Russia's invasion, continues for about two years, the Ukrainian military is once again falling into a disadvantageous position.

Eastern Ukraine Audiyivka City
[Image source=TASS Yonhap News]

On the 17th (local time), Russian forces announced that they had completely taken control of Avdiivka in Donetsk Oblast, eastern Ukraine. This came just one day after the Ukrainian military announced plans to withdraw.

Avdiivka has recently been a fierce battleground where both Ukrainian and Russian forces have poured their full strength. Once home to 30,000 residents, Avdiivka has seen frequent clashes since the early days of the conflict due to its proximity to the Russian-controlled areas of Donetsk. Russian forces began a full-scale assault on Avdiivka in March last year and, after encircling the area from three directions and launching a large-scale offensive, finally captured Avdiivka.

The New York Times (NYT) reported on the 17th about the fall of Avdiivka, describing it as "the first major victory for Russian forces since May last year." This is considered the largest gain since the battle for Bakhmut, a key eastern stronghold captured by Russian forces led by the Wagner Group, a Russian private military company headed by Yevgeny Prigozhin, after about ten months of relentless attacks.

Emboldened, Russian forces are increasing their offensive not only in Avdiivka but across various fronts. The NYT stated, "In recent weeks, Russian forces have pressed attacks along nearly all fronts spanning 600 miles (about 970 km)," and diagnosed that "the Ukrainian military is probably facing its most precarious situation since the first few months of the war."

Mykola Bielieskov, a researcher at the Ukrainian National Institute for Strategic Studies, explained that Avdiivka has served to protect Pokrovsk, a logistics hub for the Ukrainian military, and noted that "Avdiivka is a very important stronghold in Ukraine's defense system," adding that "control of Avdiivka could provide opportunities for Russia." Pokrovsk is located about 48 km northwest of Avdiivka.

The Ukrainian military's current defensive posture is largely attributed to shortages of ammunition, weapons, and personnel. Oleksandr Tarnavskyi, Major General and commander of the Tauria Operational-Strategic Group in southeastern Ukraine, stated regarding the withdrawal from Avdiivka that "the enemy has a 10-to-1 advantage in artillery shells." Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has also repeatedly urged Western support, citing delays in repelling Russian forces due to shortages of long-range weapons and ammunition. Furthermore, as the war has dragged on for two years, the Ukrainian military is reportedly facing difficulties in recruiting and mobilizing soldiers.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.