Russian forces push into Ukraine’s Avdiivka, piling pressure on new army chief
As the second anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine approaches, Ukraine’s soldiers find themselves on the defensive across the eastern front line. Reports on social media and national television indicate that Russian forces continue to throw large numbers of men into battle and increase their use of drones as key weapons on the battlefield. Avdiivka, located northwest of Donetsk city, is experiencing some of the heaviest fighting as Russian forces push from the north into the center of town. Despite Ukrainian logistics teams managing to get supplies into Avdiivka, reports suggest that Russian forces are only a few hundred meters away from the main supply route.
Ukraine’s new army chief, Oleksandr Syrskyi, faces mounting pressure as Avdiivka becomes a pressing challenge. Syrskyi, renowned for his determination to defend Bakhmut against overwhelming Russian firepower, must now address the current situation without causing stagnation on the battlefield or relying on excessive new conscripts. His predecessor, Valerii Zaluzhnyi, was dismissed for describing the war as a stalemate and advocating for a massive mobilization drive. Meanwhile, evidence from multiple front locations continues to suggest that Russia’s superior troop numbers are making a difference.
Russian forces are also applying heavy pressure on the town of Chasiv Yar, located about 15 kilometers west of Bakhmut. Ukrainian commanders report large personnel forces attacking the town, while the low ammunition stocks severely affect Ukraine’s defense capabilities. The need for additional shells, particularly 155mm ones, is sharply felt.
With ongoing conflicts and key locations at stake, including Avdiivka’s coke plant, Ukraine’s new army chief faces the daunting task of formulating a new plan to avoid stagnation while considering the limitations of ammunition supplies and potential conscription. The situation remains challenging as Russia continues to deploy troops, drones, and electronic warfare, highlighting the ongoing technology competition between both sides.
As the new leader of Ukraine’s armed forces, Syrskyi recognizes the importance of preserving the lives and health of his soldiers. Balancing combat missions, personnel restoration, and intensified education and training remains a top priority. However, the pressure is on to develop a strategy that avoids stagnation while carefully managing new conscriptions as the country’s political leadership seeks progress on the battlefield.
As the conflict rages on and the second anniversary of Russia’s invasion approaches, the situation in Avdiivka and other front line areas remains tense. Ukraine’s soldiers continue to defend their territory against an increasingly aggressive Russian force, with the number and intensity of battles escalating. The outcome of the conflict, and the fate of Avdiivka in particular, continues to hang in the balance, posing a significant challenge to Ukraine’s new army chief, Oleksandr Syrskyi. The international community will be closely watching as Ukraine strives to defend its sovereignty and confront the ongoing threat to its territorial integrity.
