Russia’s gains in Ukraine symbolic. But Kyiv is in a worse situation

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Moreover, as with most Russian gains in this war, Avdiivka came at a much higher cost for Russian forces, though probably not as high as Ukraine claims . Moscow’s Avdiivka pursuit reportedly cost it 16,000 soldiers and at least 400 armoured vehicles of various kinds. Ukrainian losses are heavy too . These setbacks indicate a change in the relative balance of forces, with Ukraine suffering significant shortages in ammunition, particularly artillery and air defence. Territorially, and even strategically, Avdiivka’s capture neither puts Russia in an advantageous position nor removes any tactical disadvantages for it on the frontline. As with Bakhmut...