A satellite image shows an overview of the city of Avdiivka (Reuters)
Russian forces took complete control of the industrial town of Avdiivka on Friday, further advancing towards the west. According to the Ukrainian forces, Russia has intensified its attacks on Maryinka.
Army spokesman Dmytro Lykhoviy said that Maryinka had become “another hot spot” following the collapse of Avdiivka.
A satellite image shows an overview of the city of Avdiivka (Reuters)
As Ukraine marked two years of Russian offensive on Saturday, Russian defence minister Sergei Shoigu paid a visit to Moscow’s forces in occupied Ukraine.
“Today, in terms of the ratio of forces, the advantage is on our side,” he said.
The capture of Avdiivka was Russia’s first significant breakthrough since capturing Bakhmut last May.
A satellite image shows an overview of School 5 and nearby apartments in the city of Bakhmut (Reuters)
According to the Ukrainian defence ministry, Russian forces have destroyed a number of Western-supplied Ukrainian weapons in the last week, including seven British-supplied Storm Shadow cruise missiles, a US Patriot anti-aircraft guided missile and launch vehicle, and 42 HIMARS rockets fired from multiple launch systems.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the front-line situation “extremely difficult” due to delayed Western military aid deliveries.
A satellite image shows an overview of Petrivka (Reuters)
Talking about the progress made by the Ukrainian forces in the two regions, Senior Ukrainian commander Oleksandr Tarnavsky said, “Both in the Avdiivka and Maryinka directions our soldiers restored several positions” Thursday, further adding that near Avdiivka “more than a dozen Russian occupiers surrendered or were captured by our military.”
Over the past two years, the toll on the Ukrainian people has been staggering, with casualties exceeding 10,000 civilians killed, including more than 560 children, and over 18,500 injured since Russia initiated its full-scale military assault on Ukraine, according to UN data released in November 2023.
The International Criminal Court even issued an arrest warrant for Putin for war crimes related to the alleged abduction of children from Ukraine. The move, however, was shrugged off by Kremlin.
A satellite image shows an overview of Makiivka (Reuters)
‘Two hours of nonsense’: Zelenskyy slams Putin’s interview
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized the recent interview of Russian President Vladimir Putin with the former Fox News host Tucker Carlson, calling it “two hours of nonsense”.
“I don’t have time to hear more than two hours of bull–about us, about the world, about the United States, about our relations and this interview with a killer,” Zelenskyy said during an interview on Fox News.
In Carlson’s latest interview with Putin, the Russian president talked about his country’s present conflict with Ukraine and targeted the United States. The former cable TV presenter was widely criticized for providing Putin a platform.
Two years of Russia-Ukraine war: Is Vladimir Putin winning against Volodymyr Zelenskyy?
‘Don’t lose heart’
With Russia continuing its offensive towards Ukraine, Nato chief Jens Stoltenberg told Ukraine and its allies on Saturday not to “lose heart”.
“The situation on the battlefield remains extremely serious. President Putin’s aim to dominate Ukraine has not changed, and there are no indications that he is preparing for peace,” Stoltenberg said.
“But we must not lose heart. Ukraine has demonstrated remarkable skill and fierce determination again and again,” he added.
Referring to the promises of military aid from Nato, Stoltenberg said, “These cover key capabilities like artillery ammunition, air defence, and combat boats. As well as F-16 equipment and spare parts, drones, and demining equipment.”
“More support is on the way,” he further assured.
Addressing the question of Ukraine joining Nato, Stoltenberg said, “Ukraine will join Nato. It is not a question of if, but of when. As we prepare you for that day, Nato will continue to stand with Ukraine. For your security, and for ours.”
‘We can’t walk away now’
Renewing the call for additional support to Ukraine, US President Joe Biden said, “We can’t walk away now.”
“That’s what Putin is betting on, he is betting on we’re gonna walk away,” Biden added.
A $60 billion military aid package for Ukraine is being held up in the United States Congress, with the Republican speaker of the House hesitating to put it to a vote due to Donald Trump’s objection.
Urging the House to unblock the aid, Biden said, “History is watching, the clock is ticking, brave Ukrainian soldiers and civilians are dying.”