White House: There is a danger that Avdiivka could fall into the hands of Russian forces

(Patria) - There is a danger that the Ukrainian city of Avdiivka could fall into the hands of Russian forces, White House spokesperson John Kirby said yesterday, citing a lack of artillery ammunition on the Ukrainian army's side.

- Unfortunately, according to information conveyed by Ukraine, the situation is critical with constant Russian pressure on Ukrainian forces day after day. There is a danger that Avdiivka could fall under Russian control - Kirby emphasizes.

Ukraine has announced that it is withdrawing its forces from some parts of the eastern city to better positions after months of heavy fighting.

Russia is trying to encircle and capture Avdiivka, and the Ukrainian stronghold in the city appears increasingly precarious, with supply lines threatened, Reuters reports.

The capture of Avdiivka is crucial for Russia's goal of controlling Donetsk and Luhansk, which make up the industrial region of Donbas, and it could benefit President Vladimir Putin ahead of the March elections.

Avdiivka, where fewer than a thousand residents remain out of a pre-war population of 32,000, is located north of Donetsk, which is under Russian control.