Ukrainian forces retreat from Avdiivka, heavy losses reported amidst failure of EU and US ammo supplies

In its daily intelligence report, it was noted that the areas surrounding Avdiivka are strewn with debris from hundreds of Russian armored vehicles. Since the start of hostilities in the region — as it was emphasized, this was a defensive line that has been held since 2014 when the conflict in Donbas began — the invaders have lost at least 400 tanks, armored personnel carriers, and other armored equipment, as well as possibly thousands of soldiers.

Recent information reveals that the Russians deployed various types of tanks towards Avdiivka, exhibiting a strong determination to capture the city. As a result, unlike operations in other regions, they did not restrict themselves to using only their oldest and least efficient tanks.

Analysts and war observers in Ukraine report tanks such as the T-72 with 2A46M cal. 125 mm guns, T-80 tanks powered by a gas turbine, and even the latest T-90 tanks equipped with a 2A46M-5 cal. 125 mm cannon and the Kalina fire control system are frequently lost in Avdiivka. Among other gear, the Russians also often lose the BMP-2 armored personnel carriers (as well as older BMP-1 models) in Avdiivka.

Avdiivka, often referred to as the "gateway to Donetsk," is the largest city occupied by Russia-backed separatists since 2014. Ukrainian forces also deployed numerous heavy equipment pieces to the area, including German Leopard 2 tanks and American M2A2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicles, considered among the best in their category. Though the Ukrainians suffered significantly less equipment loss than the Russians, they struggled with ammunition shortages.

"In a situation where the enemy is stepping over the bodies of its soldiers and has a ten-to-one advantage in the number of shells, under constant bombardment, it was the only correct decision," commented the commander of the Taurida unit, General Oleksandr Tarnavsky, on Telegram.

There have been urgent discussions and writings about replenishing ammunition stocks for several weeks. Unfortunately, the EU failed to fulfill its promise last year to supply 1 million rounds of 155 mm caliber ammunition. The United States also fell short in delivering ammunition, struggling to achieve a consensus in Congress over subsequent support packages.