A Ukrainian soldier recently shared a chilling account of the devastating toll of the conflict in Avdiivka, Ukraine. The soldier described witnessing a tragic event where an entire convoy of men was obliterated by Russian artillery as they attempted to flee the city. Avdiivka, a city with a population of approximately 30,000, fell to Russian forces in late February, marking a significant territorial gain for Russia.
Ukrainian troops stationed in Avdiivka faced relentless bombardment and engaged in fierce battles with Russian forces before being ordered to retreat on February 17. Severely outnumbered and outgunned, the soldiers recounted their narrow escapes from death as they fled the city.
One soldier, a 21-year-old identified as Major, shared his experience of assuming command of his unit in the midst of chaos, highlighting the dire circumstances faced by the Ukrainian forces. Major described the targeted artillery strikes by Russian forces as his unit defended evacuation routes, underscoring the intensity of the conflict.
Following their withdrawal from Avdiivka, the soldiers encountered further peril as they navigated their escape. Another soldier, Shved, recounted a harrowing incident where a drone struck the vehicle he was in, causing additional injuries. Despite the dangers they faced, all the men managed to survive.
The fall of Avdiivka coincided with ongoing debates in the US regarding aid to Ukraine. While Ukrainian officials have emphasized the urgent need for support, House Republican lawmakers have delayed the passage of an emergency foreign aid bill that includes significant funding for Ukraine. The Biden administration has expressed the intention to allocate a substantial portion of the aid towards bolstering the US defense industrial base.
Major, reflecting on the situation in Avdiivka, expressed the belief that with adequate resources such as manpower, artillery, and air defense, Kyiv could have potentially held onto the city. The soldier's account sheds light on the challenges faced by Ukrainian forces and the critical need for support in the ongoing conflict.
