The Blubber

Russia is executing soldiers who try to retreat from a bloody offensive in eastern Ukraine, the White House has said.

The United States has stated that some of the Russian casualties near Avdiivka were inflicted "on the orders of their own leaders."

Since mid-October, Russian and Ukrainian forces have been engaged in a fierce battle for control of the frontline town. During this period, Russia is believed to have suffered "significant" losses.

Ukrainian estimates suggest that around 5,000 Russian casualties occurred in Avdiivka, while the United States reports that Russia lost "at least" 125 armored vehicles and more than the equipment of an entire battalion.

A spokesperson for the Ukrainian army revealed that Russian troops have refrained from attacking Ukrainian positions near Avdiivka due to substantial losses. There have also been reports of mutinies in some Russian units.

National Security Council spokesman John Kirby stated in a briefing that Russia's mobilized forces remain ill-prepared for combat, lacking training, equipment, and leadership, much like their failed winter offensive last year. He described the Russian military's approach as akin to "human wave" tactics, where poorly trained soldiers are sent en masse into the battle with insufficient equipment, leadership, resources, and support, leading to poor morale among Russian forces.

The strategic significance of capturing Avdiivka, which is near the Russian-occupied city of Donetsk, lies in its potential to push the front line back, making it more challenging for Ukrainian forces to advance further into the Donetsk region.

Due to ongoing heavy shelling by Russian forces, Avdiivka has been largely deserted by its 30,000 residents. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently characterized the situation in the town as "particularly tough."