Explaining complex things in simple words: Battle for Avdiivka, security guarantees, Munich Security Conference

THE BATTLE FOR AVDIIVKA

On February 18, the Defence Forces completed the withdrawal from Avdiivka.

• The defence of Avdiivka from the Russian invaders lasted almost 10 years. We will return and rebuild this city.

• Ukrainian soldiers were forced to leave Avdiivka due to a lack of ammunition. This is the price of delaying the assistance by our partners.

• Russia seized Avdiivka at the cost of considerable losses in equipment and people. In the 4 months of the active phase of the fighting, more than 47,000 invaders, 364 tanks, 5 aircraft, and other enemy matériel were destroyed. This is more than in the Battle for Bakhmut.

• Putin ordered his troops to seize Avdiivka to raise his rating. However, the terms of the “victory” determined by the dictator were repeatedly postponed due to the resilience of the Ukrainian defenders of the city.

• Control over the ruins of Avdiivka will not give the enemy any strategic advantages. This is another Pyrrhic victory, which brings the depletion of Russia's resources closer.

SECURITY GUARANTEES

On February 16, Ukraine signed security agreements with Germany and France.

• The signing of a number of bilateral security agreements by Ukraine takes place within the framework of the G7 Vilnius Declaration. The first such agreement was signed with the United Kingdom on January 12, 2024.

• The agreements provide for emergency consultations on assistance to Ukraine in the first 24 hours in case of future aggression of Russia.

• Germany and France have made clear commitments to financially support Ukraine's defence needs, promote the development of the Ukrainian defence industry, impose sanctions on Russia, and use frozen Russian assets to rebuild Ukraine.

• Security agreements are valid until the time of Ukraine's accession to NATO, when its security guarantees will be determined by Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty.

• The signing of security agreements with Denmark and the Netherlands is expected.

MUNICH SECURITY CONFERENCE

The annual Munich Security Conference was held on February 16-18.

• The Munich Security Conference is the largest independent security policy forum in the world.

• President Volodymyr Zelenskyy personally participated in this year's conference. He noted the positive results for Ukraine.

• The key statement of the President to international partners: “Do not ask Ukraine when the war will end. Ask yourself – why Putin is still able to continue it.”

• The West must enhance its defence capabilities, not only for the sake of Ukraine, but also because the Russian threat has become global in nature. Helping Ukraine defend itself is an investment in peace.

• Russia was not invited to the Munich Security Conference, but sent a clear message to its participants, killing Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny on the opening day of the forum.

Center for Strategic Communication and Information Security