"Russian Air Superiority Leads to Capture of Avdiivka: ISW Report"

Russian forces were able to capture Avdiivka due to temporary localized air superiority, using glide bombs to provide close air support to advancing infantry troops. The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reported that delays in Western security assistance may further constrain Ukrainian air defenses, allowing Russian forces to replicate this tactic at scale in Ukraine. Ukrainian forces retreated from Avdiivka after sustaining significant losses, with the Russian army reportedly losing 47,186 troops, 364 tanks, and 5 aircraft during the four-month defensive operation.