Avdiivka, Ukraine – Russian forces in Avdiivka, Ukraine raised their flag as Ukrainian forces withdrew into prepared positions, marking Moscow’s first significant territorial gain since May 2023. The Ukrainian military spokesperson reported multiple attacks from Russian soldiers to the west of Avdiivka in an attempt to gain more ground. Due to shortages in manpower and ammunition, Ukraine had to withdraw from the industrial center in the eastern Donetsk region.
President Zelensky emphasized the impact of the conflict, urging the world not to ask Ukraine when the war will end, but to question Putin’s role in the ongoing crisis. The capture of Avdiivka by the Kremlin is a pivotal development, positioning Russian forces for further offensive operations in the region.
The Ukrainian general staff reported 14 failed Russian attacks on the village of Lastochkyne, while also noting unsuccessful Russian attacks near the villages of Robotyne and Verbove in the southern Zaporizhzhia region. Despite these advances, Ukrainian forces remain strongly positioned, with heavy defensive lines and challenging terrain posing obstacles for Russian forces.
In a separate development, Ukrainian forces claim to have shot down six Russian fighter aircraft in less than 72 hours, including a Russian Su-34 that reportedly “kamikazed” into a Ukrainian civilian neighborhood. The ongoing conflict has demonstrated the devastating impact on both military and civilian populations, with the Ukrainian Air Force facing continuous engagement against Russian aircraft.
The memory of the “Heavenly Hundred”, who were killed during the Maidan Nezalezhnosti protests ten years ago, was honored with a memorial service at St. Michael’s Cathedral. The emotional impact of the conflict was exemplified by a student’s text about the loss of her boyfriend during the deadly sniper attack by Yanukovych’s Berkut special police.
Addressing the Munich Security Conference, President Zelensky called for a reconsideration of the continued conflict and emphasized the need to question Putin’s ability to prolong the war. His impassioned plea highlighted the resilience of Ukraine and the implications of Putin’s involvement in the ongoing crisis.