October 2023 – February 17, 2024 · Eastern Ukraine (Donbas) Theater
October 2023 – February 17, 2024
Russia encircled and captured Avdiivka — a fortified industrial town that had been a Ukrainian stronghold since 2014 — in a grinding four-month operation. The battle bore close resemblance to Bakhmut: overwhelming Russian artillery, relentless infantry assaults, and Ukraine's decision to defend as long as possible before ordering a tactical withdrawal. Ukraine's ammunition shortage, caused by the stalling of US Congressional aid, was critical. The garrison withdrew on February 17, 2024.
Commanders