Ukrainian forces withdrawing from Avdiivka

Russia on Saturday said it has captured the key Ukrainian city of Avdiivka, both symbolic and crucial to Ukraine's defense in its ongoing war with the invading superpower.

Russia on Saturday said it has captured the key Ukrainian city of Avdiivka, both symbolic and crucial to Ukraine's defense in its ongoing war with the invading superpower.

Russia's Ministry of Defense said in an English-language statement on Telegram that its leader, Sergei Shoigu, informed President Vladimir Putin that Feb. 17 marks the official date of Russia's takeover of the city.

"The town, which represented a powerful defensive stronghold of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, has been taken under control by the Tsentr Group of Forces under the command of Colonel General Andrey Mordvichev," it said.

The takeover includes about 12 square miles of terrain, the ministry said. In a 24-hour span, Ukraine lost 1,500 troops in its unsuccessful defense, it said.

The Russian victory in the city means a front line in the war has moved away from the Russian-controlled regional capital of Donetsk, giving Russian fighters greater security from what the ministry described as "terrorist strikes" from Ukraine.

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/ukrainian-forces-withdrawing-avdiivka-rcna139145

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