Fact Check: "At this very moment, thousands of Ukrainian troops are completely surrounded by the Russian military, and in a very bad and vulnerable position"
What We Know
Recent reports indicate that Ukrainian forces are facing significant challenges in certain areas of the eastern front, particularly around the city of Avdiivka and the region near Pokrovsk. The Battle of Avdiivka has intensified since October 10, 2023, with Russian forces launching a major offensive aimed at capturing the city. This battle has been described as one of the bloodiest of the war, and Ukrainian commanders have expressed concerns about the potential encirclement of their troops. On February 17, 2024, Ukrainian commander Oleksandr Syrskyi announced a withdrawal from Avdiivka to prevent encirclement and preserve the lives of service personnel, highlighting the precarious situation of Ukrainian forces in the area.
In addition, a military officer near Pokrovsk has reported that Russian forces are attempting to surround the city, which is a critical transportation hub. The officer described the situation as leading to the creation of "cauldrons," where Ukrainian troops could be trapped due to the overwhelming numbers and resources of the Russian military. This assessment aligns with reports indicating that Ukrainian forces are under pressure and facing significant losses as they attempt to hold their positions against advancing Russian troops (BBC).
Analysis
The claim that thousands of Ukrainian troops are surrounded and in a vulnerable position is partially true. While there are credible reports of Ukrainian forces facing encirclement in specific locations, the situation is not uniform across the entire front. The reports from the Battle of Avdiivka and the situation near Pokrovsk suggest that Ukrainian troops are indeed under threat of encirclement in these areas. However, it is important to note that not all Ukrainian forces are surrounded; the situation varies by location and is subject to rapid changes in the dynamics of the battlefield.
The reliability of the sources reporting on these developments is generally high, with information coming from established news organizations like the BBC and detailed military analyses. However, it is crucial to approach reports from state-controlled media or unverified social media claims with caution, as they may present biased or exaggerated narratives (AP News, Snopes).
Furthermore, while the Ukrainian military has acknowledged the risks of encirclement, they have also demonstrated resilience and adaptability in their strategies, as seen in their recent withdrawals to avoid being trapped. This indicates that while the threat is real, the situation is fluid and subject to change based on military decisions and actions.
Conclusion
The claim that thousands of Ukrainian troops are completely surrounded and in a bad position is partially true. There are specific areas, particularly around Avdiivka and Pokrovsk, where Ukrainian forces are at risk of encirclement and facing significant challenges. However, this does not apply universally to all Ukrainian troops, and the situation is dynamic, with ongoing military operations that could alter the current state of affairs.
Sources
- Battle of Avdiivka (2023–2024)
- Russia-Ukraine War News: Latest Updates - The New York Times
- Ukraine war: Troops fear encirclement in Pokrovsk as Russians near - BBC
- 2023 Ukrainian counteroffensive
- Ukraine War | Latest News & Updates| BBC News
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- Ukraine in maps: Tracking the war with Russia
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