Since early October 2023, russian forces have launched two subsequent large-scale offensives to capture Avdiivka. Despite these efforts, they have failed to achieve any significant tactical gains. In response, russian officials have resorted to using the misleading term “active defense” to describe their actions, IWS reports.
This rhetorical shift is intended to recontextualize the lack of progress in Avdiivka. By framing the offensives as defensive measures, russia seeks to downplay the failure of its military to capture the town. However, this narrative is blatantly false. Ukrainian forces have not conducted any major offensive operations in the Avdiivka area since the beginning of russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. In fact, Avdiivka has been a static Ukrainian defensive position since 2014.
Read more: russian Forces Launch Third Wave of Offensive Actions in the Avdiivka Direction
Russia’s insistence on using the term “active defense” is an attempt to deflect criticism of its military’s performance. By portraying the offensives as necessary defensive actions, russia hopes to avoid admitting that its operations have stalled. However, this narrative cannot conceal the reality of the situation on the ground.
The truth is that russia’s offensives in Avdiivka have been met with strong Ukrainian resistance. Ukrainian forces have repelled multiple russian attacks and inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy. As a result, russia has made no significant progress in capturing the town.
Read more: russian Invaders Prepare the Third Wave of the Offensive on Avdiivka
