Russian President Vladimir Putin made a mockery of Ukraine's "flight" after Russia's military victory in taking the city of Avdiivka and threatened to advance his forces farther into the nation.
Russia captured the frontline city last week, marking a symbolic victory for Putin's invasion before the second anniversary of the offensive.
Putin Acknowledges Success Amidst Ongoing Conflict
The Russian military ministry recently released a television video that showed the terrible damage done to the town of Avdiivka in the continuing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Almost every residence in the vicinity displays the remnants of conflict, as structures are etched with the ongoing struggle that has taken place on its roads.
Russian President Vladimir Putin commented on the situation, stating that the Ukrainian order to withdraw from Avdiivka was issued after their troops had already begun chaotic retreats. Putin acknowledged the success in capturing the town but emphasized the need for a well-prepared development, including personnel, weapons, equipment, and ammunition.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba expressed regret over the loss of Avdiivka, linking it to the delayed arrival of essential weapons because the US Congress has not yet approved a significant aid package. Kuleba shared his worries about Russia's lack of desire to pause or withdraw, emphasizing the pressing need for swift action.
The US Senate recently passed a $95 billion aid package, including funds for Ukraine. However, House Speaker Mike Johnson has not brought it up for a vote, exacerbating the challenges faced by Ukrainian forces.
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy appointed a new commander to lead the Ukrainian military last week, as the nation grapples with Russia's continuous aggression. The conflict has seen both sides claiming significant losses, further intensifying the already dire situation, according to Reuters.
Resistance Against Russian Advances in Krynky
Avdiivka, also known as Avdeyevka in Russian, has been a focal point in the conflict, enduring a decade of strife. Its symbolic significance for Russia dates back to 2014 when Moscow-backed separatists briefly took control. Ukrainian forces later recaptured the town, constructing extensive fortifications.
Located in the industrial Donbas region, north of Donetsk, the town is famous for being the site of one of Europe's largest Soviet-era coke plants. The town has been severely impacted by the recent violence, as evidenced by the damaged church cupola, debris-filled roads, and shattered apartment buildings.
Russia's Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu announced the control of the village of Krynky in Ukraine's southern Kherson region. However, Ukraine's southern military command reported successfully holding positions on the left bank of the River Dnipro against Russian attacks.
Simultaneously, Ukraine claimed to have destroyed all 23 drones launched by Russia overnight in various regions. The military announced the successful interception of the drones in Kharkiv, Poltava, Kirovohrad, Dnipro, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, and Mykolaiv.
The results of the current argument for Avdiivka are essential, as per Ukraine's military spokesperson, who reported that more than 17,000 Russian soldiers lost their lives, with an extra 30,000 sustaining injuries throughout the five-month-long conflict. If this number is correct, it exceeds the number of personnel Russia lost during a ten-year occupation of Afghanistan from 1979 to 1989.
The whole community follows the conflict closely in the hopes that it will finish and that the agony of those caught in the middle of it will cease, The Independent reported.
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