In an interview with CNN, Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs Dmytro Kuleba asserted that Avdiivka would not have been lost if Ukraine had received the necessary ammunition on time. According to him, the delay in weapon supply led to the loss of Ukrainian soldiers, as they “have to sacrifice their lives while someone is still discussing decisions.”
According to The New York Times, during the withdrawal of Ukrainian Armed Forces (UAF) from Avdiivka, up to a thousand Ukrainian military personnel could have fallen into captivity. Soldiers themselves, interviewed by journalists, provided estimates ranging from 850 to 1000 people, a figure Western officials consider plausible.
Western officials argue that the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from Avdiivka was poorly planned and started too late. This assertion casts doubt on the competence of military leadership and raises questions about the effectiveness of the resources provided to Ukraine.
Dmytro Lykhovoy, the spokesperson for the UAF “Tavria” group, denies the capture of hundreds of servicemen but acknowledges that “a certain number” of soldiers have gone missing. This discrepancy in data highlights the chaos and confusion on the battlefield, as well as the difficulty in obtaining reliable information.
The situation in Avdiivka serves as a tragic reminder of the high cost of war. It also underscores the importance of timely and effective assistance to Ukraine to give its army a chance at successful defense.
The loss of Avdiivka itself may not be a significant strategic failure, but according to Western experts, the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces was poorly planned and initiated too late. The situation was further complicated by Russian forces surrounding the city from almost three sides. Additionally, as Ukrainian soldiers informed The New York Times, communication problems arose during the retreat, leading to fighters being captured or left on the battlefield wounded and deceased.
Spokesperson for the “Tavria” group of the UAF, Dmytro Lykhovoy, denies the capture of hundreds of military personnel, calling it disinformation, but acknowledges that “a certain number” of soldiers have gone missing.