Is Russia on the brink of securing another victory in the Ukraine conflict?

The Ukrainian military is facing a difficult situation in the city of Avdiivka, as the Russians are likely to retake it soon. Despite months of relentless attacks, the Ukrainian troops in Avdiivka are outnumbered, outgunned, and running out of ammunition. This raises concerns about whether they will be able to safely leave the city. Russia has concentrated its best-trained fighters in the area and is bombarding Ukrainian positions daily. Avdiivka will serve as a test for Ukraine's claim to prioritize the safety of its personnel over holding onto territory. The size difference between Russia and Ukraine is becoming more apparent in this war of attrition. Russian forces have been launching continuous waves of attacks on Avdiivka since last October. Despite the heavy losses they have suffered, Moscow has been able to replenish their troops quickly. Ukrainian forces have been unable to break Russian fortifications elsewhere. Major Rodion Kudryashov, a Ukrainian deputy commander, believes that the Russians will not advance further, but this is uncertain. Taking Avdiivka will relieve pressure on the city of Donetsk, which Russia has occupied since 2014. The current situation in Avdiivka reflects how global politics are impacting the battlefield. The stuttering support from Western countries has contributed to the likely Ukrainian retreat. Rationing ammunition and managing low morale have become necessary for the Ukrainian forces. There are concerns that Avdiivka is not the only place where Ukraine may consider withdrawing. Vladimir Putin still has ambitions to take the whole of Ukraine, and this could either lead to increased Western unity or fuel skepticism about Ukraine's ability to win the war.