Ukraine announced the withdrawal of its troops from some areas of the eastern town of Avdiivka, moving them to more advantageous positions after months of heavy fighting.

This strategic maneuver involves sending battle-hardened reserve fighters from a crack brigade to join the fight. Avdiivka has been a significant location due to its proximity to the industrial Donbas region, and capturing it is key to Russia’s aim of securing full control over the Donetsk and Luhansk provinces. This situation has led to Avdiivka being described as “hell” and “threatening and unstable” by one of Ukraine’s most prominent fighting units, the Third Assault Brigade, which has now been rushed to reinforce Kyiv’s troops there​.

The fall of Avdiivka marks a significant change in the over 600-mile-long front line and could represent a strategic victory for Russian President Vladimir Putin as he seeks re-election.

The town has seen fierce fighting, with its supply lines threatened and its infrastructure heavily damaged. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has emphasized the effort to preserve Ukrainian lives while managing the military and technological capabilities to withstand the situation​.

Further information suggests that the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from Avdiivka was to avoid encirclement and save soldiers’ lives, as stated by Ukrainian commander Col. Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi.

Despite the withdrawal, President Zelenskiy described it as “a correct decision” and highlighted the ongoing support and need for military assistance from Ukraine’s allies, particularly pointing out the challenges posed by low ammunition supplies and a shortage of personnel​.