AVDIIVKA, Ukraine — The city of Avdiivka in Ukraine has become the center of heavy fighting, with Russian forces advancing and Ukrainian troops preparing for a potential withdrawal. The Avdiivka coke and chemical plant, a former economic powerhouse, is now likely to be the last Ukrainian stronghold in the embattled city, which has been under siege since 2014.
The ruined plant, once owned by Ukraine’s richest man, is now the focus of intense street fighting and a critical battleground for both sides. Pushing Ukrainians back from Avdiivka and severing access to the town has become a strategic goal for the Russian forces, aiming to boost morale and establish control over the region.
The situation in Avdiivka poses the first significant challenge for Ukraine’s new commander in chief, Col. Gen. Oleksandr Syrsky, who has been criticized for his strategic decisions in the past. The potential loss of Avdiivka would mark a significant battlefield victory for Moscow and raise questions about Kyiv’s ability to withstand the pressure from Russian forces.
The Russians have been slowly advancing into Avdiivka itself, setting off street fighting amid the mostly ruined buildings, while the Ukrainian military faces shortages in soldiers, ammunition, and morale. The battle for Avdiivka has become a symbol of Ukraine’s determination to defend its territory, even as forces are forced to retreat under pressure.
The use of drones on both sides has added a new dimension of peril and strategical advantage in the conflict. The Ukrainians have turned to first-person view drones as an alternative to shells, while the Russians are exerting pressure on the right flank of the coke plant, leading to intense skirmishes and casualties for both forces.
The city and its surrounding areas continue to be the battleground for an active defense strategy, with Ukrainian forces finding ways to inflict damage on the invaders while maintaining a defensive posture. The constant pressure on the Ukrainian defense has led to a deteriorating situation, with Russian forces gaining control over key areas and pushing the Ukrainian troops to the brink.
Despite the challenges and the potential loss of Avdiivka, Ukrainian forces remain determined to hold the line and continue the fight against ongoing Russian aggression. As the conflict continues to unfold, the international community watches closely, awaiting the outcome of this critical battlefield and its implications for the broader conflict in the region.