KYIV, Ukraine (AP) – In a recent development in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the Ukrainian army has withdrawn from the village of Urozhaine, situated in the eastern Donetsk region. This comes as Russian forces continue to launch relentless attacks on Ukrainian defenses.
The withdrawal was announced by Nazar Voloshyn, a spokesperson for local ground forces, who explained that the village had been reduced to rubble, making it impossible to hold positions there. He did not reveal when the pullout took place.
Russia initially seized control of Urozhaine at the beginning of the war that commenced after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Ukrainian troops managed to recapture the village almost a year ago; however, Russia’s Defense Ministry recently claimed its army had retaken the village several days prior.
As part of its summer offensive, Russia has unleashed devastating firepower on towns and villages, leaving many in ruins and denying Ukrainians vital defensive cover. Although Ukrainian forces have been putting up a valiant fight, analysts argue that they are being pushed back in certain areas along the front line by the larger and better-equipped Kremlin army.
In recent months, Ukraine’s firepower has improved significantly due to the U.S. lawmakers approving a much-needed military aid package. Nevertheless, this support is not yet arriving quickly enough to halt Russia’s advances, particularly in the Donetsk region.
As European leaders convene to discuss security and assistance for Ukraine, Kyiv has adopted a bend-but-don’t-break strategy. By ceding some territory, Ukraine is buying time to secure more Western weapons and ammunition for its frontline forces. According to army officials and analysts, this approach enables Ukrainian troops to fight from better-defended positions.
Leaders from across Europe gathered in England on Thursday to discuss European security and further support for Ukraine. With the ongoing conflict showing no signs of abating, the situation remains precarious for all involved parties.