Ukrainian Troops Withdraw from Eastern Villages Amid Intense Russian Attacks

Ukrainian forces have been compelled to withdraw from three villages in the east amid intense Russian attacks, as Ukraine awaits the delivery of U.S. military aid to the combat zones.

According to Ukraine's commander-in-chief, Oleksandr Syrskyi, the situation on the frontline has deteriorated, with Russian forces making "tactical successes in some sectors."

Syrskyi confirmed that Ukrainian troops had pulled back from positions in the eastern Donetsk region, taking up new positions west of the villages of Berdychi, Semenivka, and Novomykhailivka. Russia is trying to take advantage of its superiority in manpower and artillery before the new U.S. weapons reach the frontlines.

The U.S. has recently approved a $61 billion military aid package for Ukraine, but the new weapons have not yet arrived on the battlefield, where Ukrainian forces have been struggling with a shortage of ammunition, troops, and air defenses. Ukrainian forces are outnumbered across the battlefield, with Russia committing up to four brigades to conduct assault operations in the Pokrovsk and Kurakhove sectors.

Why this matters: The withdrawal of Ukrainian troops and the delay in U.S. military aid reaching the frontlines highlight the challenges Ukraine faces in defending against Russia's ongoing offensive. The outcome of these battles could have significant implications for the trajectory of the war and the pressure on Ukrainian forces.

Despite the tactical successes by Russian forces, Ukraine has not lost its operational advantage, according to Syrskyi. He emphasized that refreshed Ukrainian units and additional weaponry, including long-range Atacms missiles, will be needed to force the Russian command to accept that a wider or deeper penetration is unlikely.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has underscored the need for Patriot air defense systems and said Ukraine has met all conditions for EU accession talks to start, urging the EU to fulfill its obligations. Meanwhile, Ukraine has launched drone strikes against Russian oil refineries and a military airfield in the Krasnodar region, causing fires and partial suspension of operations.

As the fighting continues, the Ukrainian government has warned that without continued U.S. military aid, Ukraine may only be able to fend off Russian attacks until March or April 2024. "The situation on the frontline has deteriorated, with the most difficult areas being west of occupied Maryinka and northwest of Avdiivka," Syrskyi stated, acknowledging the challenges faced by Ukrainian forces in the region.

Key Takeaways

• Ukraine forced to withdraw from 3 villages in east amid intense Russian attacks.
• US $61B military aid package for Ukraine delayed, leaving forces short on weapons.
• Russia exploiting manpower and artillery advantage before new US weapons arrive.
• Ukraine warns it may only fend off Russia until March/April 2024 without more aid.
• Ukraine launches drone strikes on Russian oil refineries and military airfield.