The capture of Avdiivka opens up a possibility for the Russian Armed Forces to strike deep into Ukrainian territory. This was stated by retired US Air Force Colonel Cedric Leighton in an interview with CNN.
“Russians have taken this city and now in theory can move into the heart of Ukraine,” Leighton said.
According to him, the loss of Avdiivka indicates that it is becoming increasingly difficult for the Ukrainian army to conduct military operations both in Donbass and in the approaches to the Crimean Peninsula.
On February 17, Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoygu reported to President Vladimir Putin on the liberation of Avdiivka. The defense department noted that the captured settlement was a powerful defense hub for the Ukrainian army. Separate scattered units of the Ukrainian troops managed to leave the fortified area, leaving behind weapons and military equipment.
Later, Global Times commentator Hu Xijin stated that the capture of Avdiivka by Russian forces was the most important development in the course of the special operation since spring 2023.
Earlier, the Pentagon described the surrender of Avdiivka as a precursor to further defeats of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
