Kirby: In Russia - significant losses near Avdiivka, commanders execute soldiers, morale is low
The National Security Council Strategic Communications Coordinator of the White House, John Kirby, on Thursday shared the American assessment of the situation with the attempted Russian offensive in eastern Ukraine.
Kirby said this at a briefing in the White House, Censor.NET reports with reference to "European Pravda".
The American official noted that the offensive of the Russian Federation is being carried out in several directions, in particular in the Avdiivka, Lyman, and Kupiansk districts, and it was not a surprise, since the USA observed the concentration of Russian forces in the area. At the same time, the AFU, in particular thanks to American help, "were able to hold their ground and are holding their defense."
"Since October 11, Russia has suffered significant losses during the attempted offensive, including at least 125 units of armored vehicles around Avdiivka and more than a battalion's worth of military equipment," Kirby noted.
He warned that Russia is likely to continue its attempted offensive in the Avdiyivka area and "may achieve some tactical successes" in the coming months. But this is done at the expense of "thousands" of Russian soldiers who are thrown into battle without proper training and with low morale.
"We have information that the Russian military actually executed soldiers who refused to obey orders. We also have information that Russian commanders threaten to shoot entire units if they try to retreat under Ukrainian artillery fire," the White House representative added.
According to Kirby, the Russian offensive near Avdiivka is another "sobering reminder" that Russian President Vladimir Putin is not giving up on his intentions to seize all of Ukraine, which is why it is important for the US and its allies to continue supporting Kyiv.
