Kyiv, 19 February 2024 (TDI): In a major victory, Russia has taken full control of the Ukrainian town of Avdiivka. After the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops in one of the most intense battles of the war, Moscow claimed control over the town.
In an official statement by the Kremlin, “The head of state congratulated Russian soldiers on this success, an important victory.”
According to the Russian Defense Ministry, its troops have advanced about 9 km (5 miles) in that part of the 1,000-km (620-mile) front line.
On the other hand, Ukrainian officials claim that they have withdrawn their soldiers to save troops from being fully surrounded after months of aggressive fighting.
Russian authorities reported that some Ukrainian forces are still entrenched in the Avdiivka coke plant, a crucial element in Russia’s pursuit of complete dominance over the industrial Donbas region.
“Measures are being taken to completely clear the town of militants and to block Ukrainian units that have left the town and are entrenched at the Avdiivka Coke and Chemical Plant,” the Russian Defence Ministry said.
Vladimir Putin congratulated Colonel-General Andrei Mordvichev, the Russian commander leading the assault on Avdiivka. “Eternal glory to the heroes who fell in fulfilling the tasks of the special military operation!” he said.
On the other hand, Ukrainian officials have claimed to open an investigation over the alleged shooting by Russian armed forces of six unarmed Ukrainian soldiers in Avdiivka, and two at a nearby village. The Russian Defence Ministry has not given any statement over these allegations as of now.
Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov stressed the urgent requirement for modern air defence systems, citing the situation in Avdiivka, to counter guided bombs, and long-range weapons targeting enemy formations.
Colonel-General Oleksandr Syrskyi, who assumed command of the Ukrainian military recently, explained that Ukrainian forces had shifted to more secure positions outside the town to prevent encirclement and safeguard the lives of servicemen.
Ukraine’s 3rd Assault Brigade, deployed to Avdiivka this week. According to the reports it had withdrawn to prepared positions on the outskirts of Avdivika to maintain the front line amid the ongoing Russian assault.
On the southern front, Ukrainian forces successfully repelled a major Russian offensive near Zaporizhzhia, as confirmed by the Ukrainian military on Sunday. There has been no response from the Russian side regarding this development.
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