President Joe Biden attributed the downfall of Avdiivka to the failure of US lawmakers to approve emergency aid to Ukraine, resulting in a significant triumph for Russia after months of battling for control over the city.
Biden communicated with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, expressing confidence in securing the necessary funds while cautioning about the potential fall of more Ukrainian cities if Congress fails to authorize the funding. Biden, speaking near his residence in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, emphasized the critical nature of the situation, finding it absurd and unethical to abandon the effort when ammunition is running out, pledging to vigorously advocate for the required ammunition.
Efforts to unlock emergency foreign aid for US allies have encountered a partisan deadlock in Congress, compelling Biden and Zelensky to intensify their appeals for Congressional action as Ukrainian supplies deplete. Ukraine withdrew from Avdiivka due to soldiers having to ration ammunition, a consequence of dwindling supplies caused by congressional inaction, leading to Russia's noteworthy gains. The US Senate approved $95 billion in assistance for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, but the legislation faces challenges in the Republican-led House of Representatives.
Biden stressed the urgency for Congress to swiftly pass the national security supplemental funding bill to replenish Ukrainian forces, as outlined in the call readout. Representative Mike Turner, an Ohio Republican heading the House's intelligence committee, asserted there is ample support in both houses to pass the aid package, despite facing opposition on the party's right flank. Turner, in an interview with NBC's Meet the Press, linked the urgency for Ukraine aid to the late Alexey Navalny's death, emphasizing the need for strength in funding to honor his legacy.
Turner's warning about a Russian anti-satellite weapon stirred controversy, dismissed accusations of manipulating support for Ukraine aid, stating it's about addressing Russia's actions. Ukraine's military announced its withdrawal from Avdiivka on the same day Zelensky addressed a conference in Munich, pleading for allies to arm Ukraine and highlighting Putin's advantage due to an artificial deficit of weaponry. Zelensky's leadership changes coincide with Russia's third year of a full-scale invasion.
Avdiivka, a strategic city north of Donetsk under de-facto Kremlin control since 2014, faced intense battles since spring 2022. Losing the city, once home to 30,000 people, compounds Ukraine's challenges amid political and military struggles. The Kremlin prioritized Avdiivka in a year where major strategic gains are unlikely. Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu reported Avdiivka's capture to Putin, receiving congratulations. European officials, approving a $50 billion aid package for Ukraine, express growing concern over Washington's delays.
