'Situation is critical': Avdiivka 'at risk of falling under Russian control', White House
Photo: John Kirby, Coordinator of the National Security Council at White House (Getty Images)
Avdiivka may end up under Russian control, as Ukrainian troops do not have artillery shells. The U.S. Congress needs to quickly approve new aid for Ukraine, says the coordinator of the National Security Council of the White House, John Kirby.
He said that the fighting is incredibly intense in the east of Ukraine. In particular, this concerns the situation around Avdiivka.
"Unfortunately, we are getting reports from the Ukrainians that the situation is critical, with the Russians continuing to press Ukrainian positions every single day. Avdiivka is at risk of falling under Russian control. In very large part, this is happening because the Ukrainian forces on the ground are running out of artillery ammunition," Kirby said.
The official reminded that since Congress has not yet approved new funding for Ukraine's $60 billion aid, the U.S. cannot hand Ukrainian defenders artillery shells to thwart Russian attacks.
"Russian forces are now reaching the Ukrainian trenches actually in Avdiivka and are beginning to overwhelm Ukrainian defenses. The cost of inaction by the Congress is stark," Kirby added.
Battles for Avdiivka
Russian troops have been intensifying their attacks for several months in a row in an attempt to occupy Avdiivka. They want to surround the city, and then take it under their control.
Ukrainian defenders are continuing to hold the defense and inflict huge losses on the occupiers.
Today, February 15, it became known that the 3rd Separate Assault Brigade had been sent to defend Avdiivka.
More details about the situation around the city can be found in the RBC-Ukraine material.
