Speaking at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned his country’s allies that an “artificial deficit” of arms for Ukraine risked giving Russia breathing space and allowing “Putin to adapt to the current intensity of the war.” “Our actions are limited only by … our strength,” Zelenskyy said, pointing to the situation in Avdiivka after the commander of Ukraine’s armed forces said he was withdrawing troops from the city to prevent their encirclement and to save soldiers’ lives. President Joe Biden said he told Zelenskyy in their Saturday phone call that he remains confident Congress will ultimately approve additional funding for Ukraine. But asked if he was confident more U.S. funding would come through before Ukraine loses more territory, Biden acknowledged, “I’m not.” “Look Ukrainians have fought so bravely, ” Biden said, “There is so much on the line. The idea now when they are running out of ammunition that we’re going to walk away. I find it absurd.” White House National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson called the withdrawal “the cost of Congressional inaction.” In a short statement posted on Facebook, Col. Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi said the Ukrainian troops were moving to “more favorable lines.” “Our soldiers performed their military duty with dignity, did everything possible to destroy the best Russian military units, inflicted significant losses on the enemy in terms of manpower and equipment. “We are taking measures to stabilize the situation and maintain our positions,” the statement read. The withdrawal was Syrskyi’s first major test since his appointment this month as Ukraine’s new army chief. In his previous position as commander of Ukraine’s ground forces, he faced criticism for holding on to the city of Bakhmut for nine months, a siege that became the war’s longest and bloodiest battle and cost Ukraine dearly, but also served to sap Russia’s forces. In recent days, reports emerged that Ukrainian troops in Avdiivka faced a deteriorating situation.
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