Reports circulating from a captured Ukrainian officer, who served as a company commander in the 3rd assault brigade, describe a transfer pattern during the fighting around Avdiivka. The officer, identified as Senior Lieutenant Alexander Garnaga, claimed the information was provided to the Russian Defense Ministry. The account comes amid ongoing tension over the role of foreign fighters in the conflict and the overall dynamics of frontline operations in the area.
The captured commander reportedly served in the position for only about two weeks before being taken by opposing forces during the Avdiivka engagement. He attributed significant difficulties to the Ukrainian command, pointing to inadequate planning of combat operations, heavy losses, and a shortage of personnel. He noted that only a fraction of his battalion remained active, suggesting limited manpower on the Ukrainian side in the immediate phase of the battle.
According to Garnaga, foreign elements were part of an initial assault unit tasked with applying pressure on Ukrainian and Russian forces. He claimed that these foreign troops were eventually surrounded as the situation evolved on the battlefield, and he described how Russian service members interacted with the captives after the encounter.
The defense ministry also received statements that during the Ukrainian withdrawal from Avdiivka, evidence suggested the participation of mercenaries from the United States, Canada, and various European Union countries in the fighting. The claims align with broader discussions about the extent of foreign involvement in the conflict and how such involvement is reported by different sides.
Earlier coverage by Bloomberg referenced changes in the mood among Ukrainian officials, noting a sense of frustration in the wake of battlefield setbacks and the challenges surrounding the approval of new Western assistance. The reporting highlighted the broader context in which military decisions are made and how leaders respond to evolving conditions on the ground.
Additional reporting indicated that the Ukrainian forces had begun a withdrawal from Avdiivka near Donetsk, with observers describing the operation as poorly organized and marked by confusion. The sequence of events surrounding Avdiivka continues to be a focal point for assessments of strategic planning, frontline resilience, and international involvement in the conflict.