With its victory in Avdiivka, Moscow made one of its most significant advances on the front line in recent times. US media reported that Russia had captured its largest territory since 2022, while the US accused Russia of using chemical weapons.
The five-month wait before the US Congress approved $61 billion in military aid to Ukraine may have caused permanent damage to the Kiev front line.
RUSSIA’S VICTORY OVER AVDIIVKA
Russian forces have made serious advances on the eastern front since December. On February 17, Ukraine announced its withdrawal from Avdiivka, which Russia sacrificed hundreds of its soldiers to take.
Following its victory in Avdiivka, Moscow has concentrated its fighting around Kiev-controlled Chasiv Yar, while Ukraine has established new defense lines to the west
UKRAINE WITHDRAWS FROM SOME POSITIONS IN THE EAST
Ukraine’s Chief of General Staff Oleksandr Syrskyi also acknowledged Moscow’s advance, saying that the situation on the front had deteriorated after recent attacks and that they had been forced to withdraw from some positions in the east.
RUSSIA HAS MADE THE MOST IMPORTANT PROGRESS IN RECENT TIMES
According to an analysis published by the US broadcaster CNN, Russia has captured the largest piece of territory around Avdiivka in recent times. Such a significant and rapid advance was last seen in the Severodonetsk region in July 2022.
Ruslan Mykula, one of the founders of DeepStateMap, which updates the situation on the front line on a daily basis, told CNN that the Russian advance was “so far a tactical success” but could become a “strategic success”:
“It will be very difficult to stop the enemy in the current situation because they are moving towards places where defenses are lacking.”
RUSSIA ADVANCES TO 3 KEY POINTS
Russia is pouring huge resources into the weak Ukrainian defenses on the eastern fronts, advancing towards three key points: Pokrovsk, the vital military center west of Avdiivka; the strategic Chasiv Yar near Bakhmut; and Kurakhove in the southeast.
According to CNN, Russia’s move could jeopardize the gains made by Ukraine’s counter-defense over the summer.
CHEMICAL WEAPONS ALLEGATION FROM THE USA
Meanwhile, the United States formally accused Russia of using chemical weapons (chloropicrin) against Ukraine and imposed sweeping new sanctions on Russian companies.
“The use of such chemicals is not an isolated incident and is likely motivated by Russian forces’ desire to dislodge Ukrainian forces from positions and make tactical gains on the battlefield,” the US State Department said in a statement.
USED DURING THE FIRST WORLD WAR
Chloropicrin, also known as chloropicrin gas, is a colorless liquid with a pungent, irritating odor. It is a substance once used in chemical warfare. During the First World War it was used especially in trench warfare. Chloropicrin gas is a toxic substance that can be fatal if inhaled. Today, the military use of chloropicrin gas is prohibited by international law and its use is limited in some countries for industrial purposes only.
