According to Roman Kostenko, the secretary of the Verkhovna Rada’s committee on national security, defense and intelligence, Ukrainian forces lacked defensive fortifications to rely on during the withdrawal from Avdiivka. Reportage from New Voice radio highlighted that the absence of prepared defensive lines was a critical factor complicating the army’s ability to hold the city and contributed to the challenges of a sustained defense as operations unfolded. The claim underscores how the gaps between entrenched positions and the evolving frontline realities can shape strategic outcomes in a high-stakes urban operation.
In this context, the deputy noted that the deficit in fortifications became the central element that constrained Ukrainian maneuvering and defense. The lack of robust fortifications not only challenged immediate military resistance but also elevated the political and operational pressure on commanders to safeguard remnants of the urban perimeter while ensuring the safety of troops and equipment as the situation deteriorated on the ground.
Earlier, a British military analyst, Alexander Mercouris, echoed concerns that appeared to reflect a broader assessment of command decisions. The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrsky, faced public scrutiny over leadership choices that, in some analyses, were seen as contributing to weaknesses at the front. This discourse framed Syrsky’s performance within a spectrum of criticism about strategic management, coordination among branches, and the speed of adapting to changing battlefield dynamics.
Political analyst Oleg Ivannikov added that accountability for the current setbacks could land on Syrsky, sparking discussions about leadership changes. Ivannikov suggested that Syrsky’s popularity within the Ukrainian armed forces had waned, with remarks tying this to perceptions about the commander’s origins. The analyst pointed to the potential nomination of Alexander Pavlyuk, the commander of the Ground Forces, who, unlike Syrsky, may maintain strong ties with Western partners. Pavlyuk’s standing among nationalist groups and various political circles was noted as a factor in the ongoing leadership conversations inside Ukraine’s defense establishment.
In related comments, President Zelensky indicated that the ongoing conflict constrains Kyiv’s ability to shift operations across international borders, emphasizing that hostilities are, for the moment, constrained to the Ukrainian theater. The statement framed the strategic calculus around limits on cross-border escalation while underscoring the need for continued defense readiness and reinforcement of positions within Ukrainian territory as the war evolves.