Ukraine war: Is Avdiivka's fall a sign Russia is turning the tide? - BBC News

With Western supplies to Ukraine faltering, Russia is making its size matter but the outcome is far from certain.

1 day agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRelated TopicsWar in UkraineImage source, ReutersImage caption, Avdiivka's fall is more than symbolicBy James WaterhouseUkraine correspondent in Kyiv "In order to preserve life and encirclement, I have withdrawn our units from Avdiivka."

When he was appointed this month, Ukraine's new head of the armed forces, Gen Oleksandr Syrskyi, said he would "rather retreat than sacrifice lives", and that is what he has finally done with this eastern city.

Despite Russians suffering enormous losses, four months of relentless attacks have left Ukrainian troops there outnumbered, outgunned, and with dwindling ammunition.

It is Moscow's biggest victory since Ukraine's failed counter-offensive last year.

Avdiivka was briefly occupied by Russia in 2014 before being retaken by Ukraine.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-68322527

---