Russia confirmed this evening that it had taken “full control” of the eastern Ukrainian city of Avdiyivka after Ukrainian army forces withdrew from the industrial city, which has been at the center of heavy fighting in recent months.
According to the Russian Defense Ministry, Minister Sergei Shoigu informed President Vladimir Putin in the Kremlin today about the capture of this city which was “a strong defense hub of the Ukrainian armed forces”.
The Ukrainian military announced earlier today that it had been forced out of Avdiivka in the early hours of the morning, handing Russia its biggest — largely symbolic — battlefield victory since its counteroffensive launched last summer failed.
Congratulations from Putin
Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated military units and their commander this evening for capturing the town of Avdiivka in eastern Ukraine, according to Russian news agencies.
“For the excellent military performance, I express my gratitude to all the soldiers who under your leadership took part in the battles for Avdiivka,” Putin said in his cable to the commander of Russian military units in Ukraine.
SOURCE: APE-ME
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