Ukraine frontline fighting: Retreat from Avdiivka | BBC News

*** Warning: graphic frontline footage
Ukraine’s forces have retreated from Avdiivka, a key eastern city besieged by Russian forces for months. Ukrainian troops pulled out as Russian forces advanced and seized control of the city in the Donetsk region. The retreat was ordered to save the lives of Ukrainian soldiers, according to Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Russia's defence ministry said it had full control of the city, with President Vladimir Putin hailing it as an "important victory". Almost all of Avdiivka's pre-war population of more than 30,000 people have fled and the city itself is almost completely destroyed.

Its fall marks Russia's biggest victory in Ukraine for months. Mr Zelensky blamed a lack of Western weapons supplies. US President Joe Biden accused his political opponents in Washington of sharing responsibility for the Ukrainian defeat.

Ukraine has been experiencing shortages in ammunition and other military equipment. Its army depends on supplies from western allies. However the latest package of military aid from the United States has been blocked due to political opposition from Republicans and some Democrats in the US Congress. The United States has been Ukraine’s main weapons supplier, providing billions of dollars of military support since the Russian invasion in 2022.

Jane Hill presents BBC News at Ten reporting from the frontline by Andrew Harding.

#BBCNews

[Tizzle]

This is astonishing that Russia managed to advance just with shovels and washing machines

[VVV]

Due to intrinsic military complexities, the Ukrainians are advancing backwards whereas the Russians are retreating forward.

[jesusk]

Now it is "a small town "?
Was it not a city a few weeks ago?

[nikitakruglov]

The badge on soldier's chest at 0:45 - 0:46 explaining one of the reasons of this conflict ((( Great work BBC!

[forehfilms]

When a city is under Ukraine is strategic and crucial and when it gets into Russia’s hands, it suddenly becomes irrelevant. We see through you all and we know

[luchyie]

2:38 So no longer It's "Fortress Avdiivka" now its just "one small town" because the Russians captured it. . .

[snab]

00:46 I like that BBC is not shy about showing Nazi symbols (an eagle on a swastika) on Ukrainian soldiers.

[lt]

2024: Авдеека не имела стратегического значения.
2025: Украина не имела стратегического значения.

[ibrahimbashir]

Ukraine didn't retreat they were defeated in the battle for avdiivka

[azmanabas]

Zelensky 1 month ago: we will defend avdiivka at any cost.
Zelensky yesterday : avdiivka is not that important

[dypcnno]

0:38 BBC News, you forgot the Hitler salute!

[CroydonLion]

They blame the international community for not sending enough weapons…😂 come on. Literally a couple of months ago we sent £2.5 million of weapons and ammunition. A few days ago it was said that Denmark sent ALL of their artillery shells to Ukraine. Just give up already. No more money to Ukraine!

[Brickshu]

BBC LOL. Shovels and fridges. RIP Propaganda !!

[Brightshne]

I love how the host says "Avdiivka is not a big deal"... 😂😂😂😂😂 Dude it was literally the heaviest defended town on the front line. It's over just accept it.

This can’t be happening as the BBC have said repeatedly that Russia were “out of ammunition and weapons”😅😅😅

[albo]

Zalensky should blame it on obeying the west after he signed peace in Istambul

[josephkush]

Strange how overnight the western media changed their stance like they did in bakhmut. Avdiivka was critical for Ukraine, and now it's strategically unimportant.

[carkawalakhatulistiwa]

I saw Ukraine advance backwards and Russia retreat forward in Adivka

[arashp]

Ukraine will always be remembered as the fool who picked a fight with Russia for the US .

[powerstroke.]

17k losses? 47k, 40k Are we just saying numbers now? 🤣