War on Ukraine: Avdiivka retreat highlights significant losses as Ukraine-Russia conflict progresses
As per the daily intelligence update, the regions surrounding Avdiivka are teeming with the wreckage of numerous Russian armoured vehicles. Since the beginning of hostilities in this region (notably, a frontline that has been maintained since the 2014 Donbas war), attackers have lost at least 400 tanks, armoured personnel carriers, and other armoured vehicles, as well as possibly thousands of soldiers.
Recent information suggests that the Russians directed various types of tanks towards Avdiivka, showing a keen interest in capturing the city. Unlike their operations in other regions, they did not restrict themselves to using only older and lower-quality tanks.
British intelligence on Russian losses at Avdiivka
According to the data from analysts and war observers in Ukraine, tanks such as the T-72 with 2A46M cal. 125 mm guns, T-80 tanks, recognisable by their gas turbine propulsion, and even the latest Russian T-90 tanks, equipped with a 2A46M-5 cal. 125mm cannon and the Kalina fire control system, were frequently knocked out in Avdiivka. Among other vehicles, armoured personnel carriers like BMP-2 (as well as older BMP-1) were also frequently lost by the Russians in Avdiivka.
Success for Russians was not determined solely by tanks
Avdiivka is often referred to as the "gateway to Donetsk", the major city seized by Russian-backed separatists in 2014, which they have occupied ever since. The Ukrainians directed a significant amount of heavy machinery there, including German Leopard 2 tanks and American M2A2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicles, which are considered as some of the best in their category. Ukrainians suffered significantly fewer losses in this respect than the Russians, but struggled with other issues, including ammunition shortages.
"In a situation where the enemy is stepping over the bodies of its soldiers and has a tenfold advantage in terms of the number of shells, and is subject to constant bombardment, it was the only correct decision", commented the commander of the Taurida unit, General Oleksandr Tarnavsky, via Telegram.
Ukrainians have been voicing concerns and writing about the urgent need to replenish ammunition stock for several weeks. The EU did not deliver on its promises to supply 1 million rounds of 155 mm calibre ammunition last year. The United States, where successive support packages are not unanimously approved by Congress, has also been delivering less ammunition.
