The White House has reported that Russia is resorting to the execution of soldiers attempting to withdraw from a brutal offensive in eastern Ukraine. In a recent update, it has been revealed that some Russian casualties near Avdiivka resulted from orders issued by their own leaders.

Since mid-October, Russian and Ukrainian forces have been fiercely battling for control of the frontline town. Russia is believed to have incurred "significant" losses during this period. Ukrainian estimates suggest around 5,000 Russian casualties in Avdiivka, and the US has indicated that Russia lost "at least" 125 armored vehicles along with more than a battalion's worth of equipment.

According to a Ukrainian army spokesperson, Russian troops have been hesitant to attack Ukrainian positions near Avdiivka due to heavy losses, and there have been reports of mutinies in some Russian units.

John Kirby, a National Security Council spokesman, highlighted that Russian mobilized forces remain under-trained, under-equipped, and unprepared for combat, much like their failed winter offensive last year. He mentioned that the Russian military appears to be employing "human wave" tactics, throwing poorly trained soldiers into battle without proper equipment, leadership, resources, or support. This situation has led to a decline in Russian forces' morale.

The importance of capturing Avdiivka, which is situated near the Russian-occupied city of Donetsk, lies in the fact that it would allow Russian troops to push the front line back, making it more challenging for Ukrainian forces to advance further into the Donetsk region. Avdiivka's population of 30,000 has largely abandoned the town due to ongoing Russian assaults, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has described the situation as "particularly tough."

In response to the crisis, the US has announced a new $150 million military assistance package for Ukraine, which includes artillery, small-arms ammunition, and anti-tank weapons.

However, the future of aid to Ukraine is uncertain following the recent election of Republican Mike Johnson as Speaker of the US House of Representatives.

Johnson, aligned with the right wing of the Republican Party, has expressed opposition to further US aid to Ukraine and has previously supported amendments to block it.

It's worth noting that the US is Ukraine's largest military donor, having already spent more than $46 billion, in addition to significant financial and humanitarian aid. This development comes in the wake of Russian President Vladimir Putin's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.