Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:15pm on 18 Feb 2024,Sunday International
Russia asserts complete control over Avdiivka following the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces, marking its largest gain since seizing Bakhmut in May 2023. The intense urban battle has left Avdiivka in ruins, with some Ukrainian troops reportedly sheltered in a Soviet-era coke plant. Moscow declares an 8.6km (5.3 miles) advancement on the 1,000km (621-mile) front line. President Putin hails the victory, emphasizing its significance. Ukraine attributes its withdrawal to preventing encirclement after months of fierce combat. Avdiivka's fall poses challenges for Ukraine in repelling Russian forces amid ammunition shortages and limited manpower.
