Ukraine's President Seeks Support in Berlin and Paris as Battle for Avdiivka Intensifies

Ukraine's President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has embarked on a trip to Berlin and Paris in an effort to gain support and secure aid as the battle for the eastern city of Avdiivka intensifies. The Ukrainian army reported heavy clashes with advancing Russian forces in Avdiivka, which has been under siege for several months. Despite battlefield challenges and a shortage of ammunition stockpiles, Ukraine is determined to hold off the Russian offensive. Zelenskyy assured that his government is providing as much support as possible to the region, including sending reserve fighters from the renowned Third Assault Brigade. The situation in Avdiivka is critical, with speculation that Russia aims to capture the city before the upcoming presidential election. Capturing Avdiivka would grant Russia complete control over the Donetsk and Luhansk provinces. However, Zelenskyy's visit to Germany and France seeks to secure long-term security commitments and support for Ukraine. The German government confirmed that Chancellor Olaf Scholz would sign a bilateral security pact, while the French presidency also confirmed the signing of a security agreement without providing details. The battle for Avdiivka has been one of the bloodiest in the ongoing war, with concerns over ammunition shortages and delays in Western military assistance. The United States has held up a $60 billion military aid package, and the European Union has acknowledged that it will only be able to deliver half of the promised one million artillery shells by March. As the situation in Avdiivka becomes increasingly precarious, Ukrainian soldiers defending the city may face the difficult decision of whether to continue holding on or retreat to save lives.