Following the announcement that Russian forces had taken control of Audiiivka, a stronghold in eastern Ukraine, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said that it had been a "very difficult week" and continued to seek support from the West and other countries. He showed his determination to keep fighting.
On the 17th, the Ukrainian military announced that it would withdraw its troops from Audiiivka, a stronghold in the eastern Donetsk region that has been the site of intense fighting with the Russian military, and the Russian Ministry of Defense also announced that it had taken full control of the area. .
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy released a video message on the 18th, saying, ``It's been a very difficult week. Everyone was worried about Audiiivka, our soldiers, and the fate of the country.'' He said that the situation was difficult for Ukraine. showed recognition.
After that, he participated in an international security conference held in Munich, Germany, from the 16th, where he learned that Ukraine's position was supported and that a new agreement was signed with Germany and France to ensure long-term security. ``We must achieve our goals in this war,'' he said, demonstrating his determination to continue fighting.
On the 18th, Russian Presidential Spokesperson Peskov told Russia's state-run TASS news agency that the Russian military is not allowing new positions to be established on the Ukrainian side and continues to attack the Audi Ivka.
It appears that they are intensifying their offensive with the aim of taking control of the entire Donetsk region.
Meanwhile, the American think tank ``Institute of War'' said on the 18th that the Ukrainian military is likely to be able to establish a defensive position not far from Audiiivka, but it will come under heavy attack from the Russian military. This indicates the view that this will happen.