The Ukrainian Armed Forces started to withdraw from Avdiivka before Syrsky’s order on troop withdrawal – Washington Post reported

The withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from Avdiivka was chaotic and began even before the order from the commander-in-chief, Oleksandr Syrskyi – soldiers simply started leaving their positions without coordination with the command.

This is reported by The Washington Post, citing Ukrainian military sources.

“Participants in the operation stated that they are not sure how many of their comrades remain in Avdiivka, but any number of casualties will surely lead to further deterioration of morale on the front line,” the article states.

The Washington Post quotes American officials who, referring to Ukrainian officials, reported that dozens of Ukrainian soldiers remained in Avdiivka when their units withdrew. One senior American official said that at least 25 Ukrainian soldiers were captured by the advancing Russian army. This number could be around 100, as Ukrainians later admitted to U.S. officials.

Ukrainian servicemen familiar with the recent weeks of fighting in Avdiivka and the rapid withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from the city stated that the situation was chaotic and poorly planned.

According to reports, the retreat ordered by Lieutenant General Syrskyi was a “grim and dangerous” operation – and hardly an organized withdrawal to “more advantageous positions,” as claimed by the Ukrainian military command.

One soldier anonymously stated that some units were ordered to “occupy positions that were already lost or destroyed.” The soldier described how the troops were exhausted after two years of service without rotation, and fatigue led them to leave their positions “without prior coordination with the command.”