Syrskyi explains why the Ukrainian Armed Forces withdrew from Avdiivka and how many Ukrainian soldiers were captured during the retreat

Ukraine withdrew its forces from Avdiivka because the enemy had an advantage in terms of assault forces and equipment. Strikes by guided aerial bombs (GAB) disrupted the integrity of the defense, and due to the lack of ammunition for artillery, it was not possible to conduct effective counter-battery combat. During the fighting, 25 Ukrainian defenders were taken prisoner.

This was stated by the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi in an interview with Ukrinform. "We withdrew our forces from Avdiivka because the enemy had a significant advantage in the forces and means of the assault units. Due to the constant bombardment with guided aerial bombs, the integrity of our defense was compromised, which allowed the enemy to gradually advance," he said.

Syrsky added that the lack of ammunition for artillery also played a negative role. This made it impossible to conduct effective counter-battery combat.

"So, to avoid encirclement and save people's lives, I decided to leave Avdiivka. Unfortunately, during these battles, 25 Ukrainian soldiers were taken prisoner by Russia. This is a war... Russian propagandists are trying to use various videos with captured Ukrainian soldiers to discredit the Ukrainian Defense Forces, to put psychological pressure and spread panic among Ukrainians," said the Commander-in-Chief.

He addressed the defenders who are in enemy captivity, assuring them that Ukraine has not forgotten about anyone and is doing everything to liberate its military.

"I would like to say to these soldiers, if they can hear me, and to their families: we have not forgotten anyone and are doing everything to free these servicemen from enemy captivity. Both the leadership of our state and the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine and the Armed Forces Command are fully involved in these efforts," said Syrskyi.

The military commander added: it is worth remembering that the attack on Avdiivka cost the enemy heavy losses, which is unlikely to be reported on "Russian TV".

"Only in the period from October 10, 2023, to February 17, 2024, in the Avdiivka sector, the Russian invaders lost: 47186 personnel, 364 tanks, 748 armored combat vehicles, 248 artillery systems, five aircraft. Since the beginning of the Avdiivka defense operation, the Ukrainian defense forces have captured 95 Russian occupants in this area," stated the commander-in-chief.

As reported by OBOZ.UA:

– Syrskyi announced the decision to withdraw troops from Avdiivka on February 17, four months after the start of the Russian "big" offensive on the city. At the time, he explained this step by the current operational situation and the need to save the lives of the military.

– President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the withdrawal from Avdiivka a "professional decision." He said that Ukraine can win, but it depends not only on the courage of its defenders but also on the West's willingness to help.

– The Pentagon called the withdrawal from Avdiivka a "strategic" step aimed at preserving its artillery and shells.

– After the withdrawal from Avdiivka, the media reported that 850 to 1,000 Ukrainian soldiers could have been captured. The Ukrainian Armed Forces called such statements fake.

– According to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, three attacks were repelled in the Avdiivka sector yesterday, near Semenivka, where the enemy tried to drive the defenders out of the line.

– Earlier, the commander of the Ukrainian Army, Oleksandr Pavliuk, explained why the Defense Forces have advantages on the battlefield. The enemy is now making every effort to continue offensive actions in the Lyman, Bakhmut, and Avdiivka directions.

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