NEW DELHI: Ukrainian forces are grappling with “extremely difficult” conditions across the entire frontline with Russia, a situation exacerbated by delayed international assistance, according to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The recent Russian offensive in the east and south of Ukraine resulted in the significant capture of Avdiivka, marking a substantial victory as the second anniversary of the February 2022 invasion approaches.
Compounding these challenges, the Ukrainian military is facing a severe shortage of ammunition and shells. This crisis has been intensified due to a delay in the disbursement of a $60 billion US aid package.
“The situation is extremely difficult in several parts of the front line, where Russian troops have concentrated maximum reserves,” remarked Zelenskyy, following his visit to troops in the Kharkiv region. He emphasized that Russian forces “are taking advantage of the delays in helping Ukraine,” noting the critical lack of artillery, frontline air defense, and long-range weapons.
Ukrainian soldiers’ plight in Avdiivka
The Ukrainian military’s exit from Avdiivka marked a significant Russian triumph, marked by the order: “Leave the 300 (wounded),” and “burn everything”.
According to a CNN report, Russian forces quickly overtook Avdiivka, and distressing reports surfaced about injured soldiers left behind, later found deceased. Ukrainian forces from the 110th Separate Mechanized Brigade faced brutal attacks, particularly at the Zenit position. Viktor Biliak, a soldier from this brigade, shared a harrowing account on Instagram of their failed escape attempts under zero visibility and relentless enemy fire.
The tragedy of these soldiers is underscored by their left messages, reflecting despair and abandonment. Avdiivka, a longtime hotspot due to pro-Moscow separatist activities, had become a fortified location over the years. However, facing critical shortages, Ukrainian forces had to retreat, a decision President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated was to “save our soldiers’ lives.”
As per the CNN report, among the stranded was Ivan Zhytnyk, a 30-year-old medic, who, in a poignant video call with his sister Kateryna, expressed his abandonment and injury. Despite efforts, no rescue came for him and others trapped with him.
“So, what, they … no one is coming? Your guys are there too (with you), or are you alone,” Kateryna asked her brother. “Everyone left, everyone retreated. They told us that a car would pick us up. I have two broken legs, shrapnel in my back. I can’t do anything,” Zhytnyk told her sister.
The fate of these soldiers became known through a distressing video shared by a Russian military blogger, confirming the deaths of several soldiers, including Zhytnyk, recognized by his sister, and Andrii Dubnytskyi, identified by his distinctive tattoo by his wife, Liudmyla.
The incident has sparked an investigation for “violation of the laws and customs of war” by the prosecutor general’s office in Ukraine. The 110th Brigade’s statement revealed unsuccessful negotiations for evacuating the wounded, ending tragically as confirmed by the released video.
(With inputs from agencies)
The recent Russian offensive in the east and south of Ukraine resulted in the significant capture of Avdiivka, marking a substantial victory as the second anniversary of the February 2022 invasion approaches.
Compounding these challenges, the Ukrainian military is facing a severe shortage of ammunition and shells. This crisis has been intensified due to a delay in the disbursement of a $60 billion US aid package.
“The situation is extremely difficult in several parts of the front line, where Russian troops have concentrated maximum reserves,” remarked Zelenskyy, following his visit to troops in the Kharkiv region. He emphasized that Russian forces “are taking advantage of the delays in helping Ukraine,” noting the critical lack of artillery, frontline air defense, and long-range weapons.
Ukrainian soldiers’ plight in Avdiivka
The Ukrainian military’s exit from Avdiivka marked a significant Russian triumph, marked by the order: “Leave the 300 (wounded),” and “burn everything”.
According to a CNN report, Russian forces quickly overtook Avdiivka, and distressing reports surfaced about injured soldiers left behind, later found deceased. Ukrainian forces from the 110th Separate Mechanized Brigade faced brutal attacks, particularly at the Zenit position. Viktor Biliak, a soldier from this brigade, shared a harrowing account on Instagram of their failed escape attempts under zero visibility and relentless enemy fire.
The tragedy of these soldiers is underscored by their left messages, reflecting despair and abandonment. Avdiivka, a longtime hotspot due to pro-Moscow separatist activities, had become a fortified location over the years. However, facing critical shortages, Ukrainian forces had to retreat, a decision President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated was to “save our soldiers’ lives.”
As per the CNN report, among the stranded was Ivan Zhytnyk, a 30-year-old medic, who, in a poignant video call with his sister Kateryna, expressed his abandonment and injury. Despite efforts, no rescue came for him and others trapped with him.
“So, what, they … no one is coming? Your guys are there too (with you), or are you alone,” Kateryna asked her brother. “Everyone left, everyone retreated. They told us that a car would pick us up. I have two broken legs, shrapnel in my back. I can’t do anything,” Zhytnyk told her sister.
The fate of these soldiers became known through a distressing video shared by a Russian military blogger, confirming the deaths of several soldiers, including Zhytnyk, recognized by his sister, and Andrii Dubnytskyi, identified by his distinctive tattoo by his wife, Liudmyla.
The incident has sparked an investigation for “violation of the laws and customs of war” by the prosecutor general’s office in Ukraine. The 110th Brigade’s statement revealed unsuccessful negotiations for evacuating the wounded, ending tragically as confirmed by the released video.
(With inputs from agencies)