During the Russian military offensive on the eastern Ukrainian city of Avdiivka last fall, Ukrainian troops witnessed a shift in tactics as Russian forces suffered heavy losses from artillery fire. The Russians began dividing their infantry formations into smaller units to avoid shelling, while increasing airstrikes to bombard the city’s defenses. Despite these adjustments, the Russian military continued to prioritize making gains over minimizing casualties.
The battle for Avdiivka was one of the costliest engagements, with varying casualty estimates circulating among analysts and officials. Some suggest that Russia lost more troops in Avdiivka than in 10 years of fighting in Afghanistan. The true toll remains unknown, as casualty numbers are often inflated or downplayed by both sides.
As Russia pushes forward in eastern Ukraine, European nations are strengthening their support for Ukraine and fortifying their defenses against potential Russian aggression. NATO recently approved Sweden’s membership, defying President Vladimir V. Putin’s hopes of fracturing unity among adversaries.
President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine revealed that 31,000 Ukrainian soldiers have died in the conflict, a rare acknowledgment of casualties. However, most Western analysts believe the actual toll is much higher. Russia’s willingness to incur significant losses in the Donbas region, where Avdiivka is located, is seen as necessary for the Kremlin to claim victory in the invasion.
The assault on Avdiivka was part of a broader Russian strategy to exhaust Ukrainian forces along the front line. Russia’s ability to absorb losses and maintain pressure has gradually shifted the momentum in their favor. However, analysts warn that continued high casualties could deplete Russian forces and give Ukraine the initiative once again.
As the conflict enters its third year, both sides are struggling to sustain the intensity of fighting. Russia’s greater population gives them a manpower advantage, but the scale of losses has offset this edge. The Russian government’s mobilization efforts have faced challenges, leading to new recruitment strategies to bolster their forces.
The battle for Avdiivka exemplifies the brutal and protracted nature of the conflict. Both sides rely on artillery and drones to gain ground in incremental advances. Despite facing heavy losses, U.S. officials anticipate Russia will continue to pressure Ukrainian forces across multiple fronts. The evolving dynamics of the conflict highlight the challenges and human cost of the ongoing war in Ukraine.