NATO Secretary General on why Russians managed to capture Avdiivka

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg (Getty Images)

Russia has successfully captured Avdiivka, leveraging support from Iran and North Korea. Moscow has also mobilized more forces and increased production, citing NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg in an interview with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.

According to Stoltenberg, the capture of Avdiivka will not significantly impact the frontlines.

“We do not believe that the fact that Ukrainian troops have withdrawn from Avdiivka will in itself significantly change the strategic situation. At the same time, it reminds us that Russia is ready to sacrifice many soldiers just to make minor territorial gains,” he said.

NATO’s Secretary-General believes that Russia’s recent military successes are a result of cooperation with Iran and North Korea, as well as increased production and mobilization of additional forces.

“This makes it important that NATO Allies provide military support, ammunition and other types of assistance (to Ukraine – Ed.). But, of course, it is also important that Ukraine is able to obtain the necessary forces and mobilise the personnel needed to continue the fight against the Russian invaders,” Stoltenberg added.

Avdiivka’s capture

Ukrainian military forces withdrew from Avdiivka last week, occupying more advantageous positions. Some Ukrainian fighters were captured during the withdrawal.

Russian invaders have been attempting to capture Avdiivka since the fall of 2023. In February, the situation on this front became critical. Troops from the Third Assault Brigade were redeployed to the Avdiivka area to bolster Ukrainian defense.

Military expert Oleksii Hetman believes that a collapse of the Avdiivka front is unlikely. Meanwhile, Ukrainian military reports indicate that Russians are attacking in the area of the settlement of Lastochkyne to the west of Avdiivka.