Biden: Ukraine Retreat Due to Congress
US President Joe Biden has commented on the retreat of Ukrainian troops from Avdiivka in the Donetsk region.
He believes this decision stemmed primarily from the inaction of American lawmakers who have yet to approve emergency aid for Ukraine, writes Unian.
On February 17, Joe Biden called Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to emphasise the United States' continued commitment to supporting Ukraine. This conversation occurred on the eve of the second anniversary of Russia's invasion.
“This morning (February 17), the Ukrainian army was forced to retreat from Avdiivka after Ukrainian soldiers were forced to ration ammunition because of supply shortages caused by congressional inaction. This resulted in Russia's first notable advance in months,” Biden said.
“President Biden stressed that Congress must urgently pass legislation to provide additional national security funding to resupply Ukrainian forces,” the White House statement said.
The situation in Avdiivka, Donetsk region, has deteriorated in recent weeks. Russia has concentrated significant forces in the area, with reported troop ratios of 1:7 or higher.
On February 17, the Ukrainian Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief, Alexander Syrsky, announced the Ukrainian army's retreat from Avdiivka. He emphasised that the defensive operation inflicted substantial losses on the enemy.
President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed confidence that Ukraine will retake Avdiivka: “We want to save the lives of our boys. I am glad that the military command has made such a correct and informed decision.”
Capturing this eastern city is considered crucial for Moscow's goal of fully controlling the two provinces within the industrial Donbas region. It could potentially bolster support for Russian President Vladimir Putin in next month's presidential election.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
