Russia announced on Saturday its "full control" over the city of Avdiivka in Eastern Ukraine, following a statement from Kyiv regarding the withdrawal of its forces from this industrial city, which had been a focal point of conflict for months. President Vladimir Putin hailed this development as a "significant victory."
The Russian Defense Ministry reported that Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu briefed President Putin on the takeover of Avdiivka, describing the city as a "strong defensive position for the Ukrainian armed forces." Presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov, as cited by Russian news agencies, conveyed Putin's congratulations to the troops and fighters for this crucial triumph.
Shoigu detailed that Russian forces had captured 31.75 square kilometers in Avdiivka, much of which has been destroyed, with Ukrainian soldiers having established formidable defenses. Despite Kyiv's declaration of troop withdrawal, Shoigu stated that only "a few scattered formations" managed to retreat "under continuous fire from Russian forces," leaving behind weapons and military equipment.
The minister added that Russian forces are currently conducting a "final clearance" of the city from Ukrainian soldiers and are cutting off any escape routes to a factory where Ukrainian units took refuge.
Shoigu also noted that gaining control over Avdiivka allows for the distancing of Ukrainian artillery from Donetsk, a stronghold for pro-Russian forces in Eastern Ukraine since 2014, which had been under constant bombardment.
The Ukrainian army's retreat from Avdiivka came after months of intense fighting, amid shortages of troops and ammunition, despite attempts to send reinforcements to the city's garrison. The Ukrainian military also reported that Russian forces captured several of its soldiers during their withdrawal from the city.
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