In a significant development on October 10, 2023, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine disclosed that Russian forces, comprising three battalions and supported by tanks and armored fighting vehicles, initiated an aggressive storming operation against Avdiivka, located in the Donetsk region. This marked the commencement of a strategic offensive that would underscore the enduring conflict in the area.
The siege of Avdiivka, a focal point in the broader regional strife, unfolded over 130 days of relentless combat. Under the command of Oleksandr Tarnavskyi, the operational and strategic leader of the “Tavria” troop contingent, Ukrainian forces conducted a valorous defense of the city. In a critical update shared via his Telegram channel on February 17, 2024, Tarnavskyi revealed the strategic withdrawal of Ukrainian forces to pre-established positions, adhering to received orders and tactically repositioning in response to the evolving battlefield dynamics.
The war in Ukraine exacted a heavy toll on Russian military personnel, with estimated losses reaching approximately 100,000. A revealing comparison by British Intelligence, disseminated through their official “X” channel on July 11, 2023, highlighted the severe attrition rates experienced by Russian forces during the Battle of Bakhmut—quantifying the loss of one soldier for every 48 centimeters gained. A similar assessment of the Battle of Avdiivka suggested an even more staggering rate of loss, with one Russian soldier either killed or wounded every 5 centimeters, showcasing the high human cost of military engagements in the region.
Further insights into the operational losses were provided by Canadian OSINT researcher @naalsio26, who estimated that Russia’s military hardware casualties included approximately 667 units, encompassing 358 armored fighting vehicles, 223 tanks, and 31 other vehicles. These figures underscore the substantial material and human resources expended during the offensive.
The backdrop of these military engagements is the impending presidential elections in Russia, set for March 17 of this year.
It’s no secret to anyone that Putin will be re-elected with record numbers. However, many people in Russia are unhappy with his leadership, especially his decisions to continue the war in Ukraine. The Kremlin’s military ambitions, often perceived as driven by Putin’s personal calculus, have stirred significant unrest and dissatisfaction within Russian society. Critics argue that the pursuit of fleeting victories on the battlefield serves to placate domestic discontent at the expense of countless lives, highlighting the profound human cost of geopolitical strategies orchestrated at the highest levels of power.
