Elite assault troops that had been billed as Ukraine’s “last hope” of repelling Vladimir Putin’s forces from Avdiivka managed to fight their way out as the key city fell to Russian forces, it has emerged.
The Third Assault Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine had been rushed to Avdiivka in the Donbas region in a last-ditch attempt to reinforce the troops fighting off Russia. However, Kremlin’s forces captured the strategic city last weekend, ahead of the war’s two-year anniversary.
Losing Avdiivka was a huge blow for Ukraine, so the news that the Third Assault Brigade managed to fight its way out will provide cold comfort.
“Nonetheless, on Telegram, the Brigade’s Deputy Commander Maksym Zhorin said: “I can say that not a single one of our fighters is left there.
“Now we can say that for a certain time, some units of the Third Assault Brigade were completely surrounded in Avdiivka itself but were able to get out.”
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Kudriashov said Ukrainian troops were so short of ammunition that they “had to choose between targets.” He told AP that Ukraine was outnumbered and outgunned, meaning troops were pulled back to previously prepared positions.
“If we are talking about infantry, it’s one to seven. If we are talking about military vehicles it’s one to eight and in terms of artillery, it’s one to 11.”
However, some Western military analysts believe that Ukraine could counter Russia’s attempt to build up on its Avdiivka success by trying to erect new defence lines in that immediate area and deploying fresh units to hold back Kremlin’s force.
UK Ministry of Defence intelligence suggests Russia will struggle to push on after taking Avdiivka.
In an intelligence update issued yesterday, the MoD wrote: “It is likely that Russian forces lack the combat effectiveness to immediately exploit the capture of Avdiivka and will require a period of rest and refit.
“In coming weeks Russia will likely seek to gradually extend its territorial control beyond Avdiivka.”
