A series of rapid Russian offensives are challenging Ukraine’s new defence line created after the withdrawal of troops from the key town of Avdiivka, CNN reports. The Russian army’s advances are raising concerns about Kiev’s tactics and the position of the Ukrainian armed forces on the front line.
The Russian troop advance comes amid a deep ammunition crisis in the Ukrainian army, raising almost existential questions for the military on the front lines, who are forced to ration shells and ask themselves how long they can withstand Russian pressure.
In another sign of the growing sense of unease, the new AFU commander-in-chief, Colonel-General Oleksandr Syrskyi, scolded his subordinate officers twice last week for poor performance on this key section of the frontline.
Many Ukrainian soldiers expressed sharp pessimism to CNN about the meaning of withdrawal from Avdeevka and further defensive actions.
One officer on the front line said: “We feel [Russian] superiority in personnel, artillery and armoured vehicles. They are advancing little by little. We don’t have many options here. Retreat or just wait until we are… As sad as it sounds, until we are all killed.”