The significant of Peter Avdeev's story is
Avdeev's story shows the senselessness of war, and its effect on the common person. He died pointlessly: the skirmish didn't need to happen. Moreover, his becoming a soldier damaged his family: the father was dissatisfied with his other son, and the mother was sad even before she found out about his death. His wife left once he became a soldier, and was relieved when he died. The war may be about honor and politics to the higher-ups, but to the common soldier, it is meaningless death and unpleasantness.