Ekaterina Prisyazhnyuk, Artur Kryzhny12:48, 02/11/24
The ratio of tank losses between Russia and Ukraine near Avdeevka is 12 to 1, journalists found out.
In attempts to capture several square miles of destroyed and depopulated Avdeevka, the Kremlin lost almost an entire mechanized division of tanks – 214 units. This number is a tenth of the tanks that are currently fighting on the territory of Ukraine.
The huge losses of the Russian Federation as of February 11, 2024 are described in an article by Forbes with reference to analyst data from open sources. Thus, before the collapse of the Soviet Union, a 10,000-strong motorized rifle division “on paper” had 220 tanks. “Since the offensive on Avdiivka in early October, the Russian 2nd and 41st combined arms armies have lost 214 tanks. Mostly T-72 and T-80, but also a few high-end T-90s. Meanwhile, Ukrainian brigades in and around Avdiivka only 18 tanks lost it,” writes Forbes.
Russian tank losses in the Avdeevka area represent potentially more than a tenth of all tanks that Russian troops have in Ukraine. The 12 to 1 casualty ratio that Russia suffered during the assault on Avdiivka cannot be justified by the fact that the Ukrainian military did not deploy enough tanks for defense. In fact, Ukrainian forces deployed tanks, including some of the best German Leopard 2A6s.
The traditional advantage of a defender with a fortified position over an open attacker also cannot explain such high Russian losses.
“The Ukrainians simply outmaneuvered the Russians with mines, artillery, drones, missiles and old-fashioned rifle fire from fortified positions. And they did so despite the fact that ammunition was gradually running out after the Republicans began to block US aid to Ukraine,” the newspaper writes.
The American Institute for the Study of War (ISW) showed on February 11 a new map of military operations, which included Avdiivka.
(C)UNIAN 2024
The only thing that makes Avdiivka worth holding on to is that it’s a roach meat grinder and a metal grinder for roach equipment.
Right, Mr. Ofp. Also, if Avdiivka falls, the RuSSians will simply pick a new center of attack. So, there’s no advantage in retreat, as long as it hasn’t become unavoidable. The point is, the AFU has to grind down the enemy and Russia can’t afford this 1:12 loss ratio in the longer run. Putin’s crazy push for more territory will stress his soldiers to the breaking point. And then is the time for a decisive counterattack. This could result in wide ranging liberation of occupied territories. But to make this happen, it’s unavoidable to strengthen the defense now with fresh hands and more ammo. Both Zelensky and Nato urgently need to do their homework.
Indeed, the Ukrainians and the Europeans must work together intensively to maintain this loss ration on the frontlines and maybe to increase them.