Briefing on the Ukraine Conflict: Russian Pressure Compels Ukrainian Withdrawal from Three Villages

According to Col Gen Oleksandr Syrskyi, Ukraine’s military commander in chief, Ukrainian troops have strategically withdrawn to the west from Berdychi, Semenivka, and Novomykhailivka villages on the eastern front of the war. Syrskyi highlighted the intense battles ongoing in the Pokrovsk and Kurakhove areas, where the enemy has deployed considerable forces, attempting to push towards Avdiivka and Marinka with the aim of reaching Pokrovsk and Kurakhove. The retreat's objective, as stated by Syrskyi, is to safeguard the lives and well-being of Ukrainian defenders. Despite acknowledging a worsening of Ukraine's position on the battlefield, Syrskyi noted both tactical successes and areas where troops have managed to enhance their positions.

Luke Harding, reporting from Kyiv, notes Russia's efforts to exploit recent gains and penetrate Ukrainian defensive lines before anticipated US military aid arrives. However, Ukrainian security officials assess the situation in the Donbas region as very challenging but not yet critical. 

The Institute for the Study of War suggests that Russia's ability to make significant operational gains west of Avdiivka in the near term remains unlikely, despite Ukrainian forces reportedly being outnumbered. The ISW anticipates that the arrival of refreshed Ukrainian units and additional weaponry could either deter further Russian advances or necessitate the commitment of additional Russian reserves.

Unconfirmed reports suggest Ukrainian forces targeted a Russian air defense unit in Cape Tarkhankut, Crimea, using long-range Atacms missiles supplied by the US. Meanwhile, Russian drones struck a hotel in Mykolaiv, damaging a heat-generating plant. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy reiterated Ukraine's expectation of promised supplies, emphasizing the need for Patriot systems during discussions with US House minority leader Hakeem Jeffries. Zelenskiy also emphasized Ukraine's fulfillment of conditions for EU accession talks and reiterated the country's readiness to join NATO, echoing sentiments expressed by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.