A team of six Russian infantry soldiers marched on foot into Avdiivka, located just northwest of Russian-occupied Donetsk in eastern Ukraine, exemplifying the dangers of the fierce battle for the devastated city.
Ukrainian forces, particularly the 110th Mechanized Brigade, have been defending the city from Russian incursions for the past two years. The Ukrainians, low on manpower and supplies, must contend with repeated assaults from Russian military units.
The Russian 2nd and 41st Combined Arms Armies have suffered significant losses in their attempts to capture Avdiivka. The Ukrainians have deployed mines, artillery, drones, and entrenched infantry to fend off the Russian offensives. The Kremlin has made the conquest or destruction of Avdiivka its primary objective during its winter offensive in Ukraine.
Despite being outnumbered and lacking in modern armored vehicles, the Ukrainian forces have employed drones to engage the advancing Russian troops. However, the Ukrainians are struggling due to a shortage of artillery ammunition caused by a blockade of U.S. military aid by Russia-aligned Republicans.
The Ukrainians’ limited ammunition supply has had a direct impact, allowing a small group of six Russian soldiers to approach the outskirts of Avdiivka. Although the Ukrainians have access to numerous small drones, their limited explosive power and range put them at a disadvantage compared to artillery shells.
The Russians, emboldened by Ukraine’s weakened artillery capabilities, have made advancements into Avdiivka from the north and south. The Ukrainian 110th Mechanized Brigade, positioned in Avdiivka, could face difficulty in receiving essential supplies once the Russians block the main supply route into the city.
The potential withdrawal of the 110th Brigade and remaining civilians from Avdiivka is not only a military decision but also a political one, which is currently in a state of flux in Kyiv. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently replaced his top general, signaling a change in the military strategy. This shift from a more mobile defense to a strategy targeting to reduce casualties during stubborn, static fights may influence the ongoing situation in Avdiivka.
