Russian forces have claimed control of a Soviet-era coke plant in Avdiivka, completing its takeover of the Ukrainian city after one of the most intense battles of the war.
The fall of Avdiivka is Russia's biggest gain since it captured the city of Bakhmut in May 2023, and comes almost two years to the day since President Vladimir Putin triggered a full-scale war by ordering the invasion of Ukraine.
Ukraine said it had withdrawn its soldiers to save troops from being fully surrounded after months of fierce fighting. According to Reuters, Putin hailed the fall of Avdiivka as an important victory and congratulated Russian troops.
Putin Signals Readiness to Negotiate Without Preconditions.
An explosive device planted near an apartment building in Moscow has killed Igor Kirillov, the head of Russia’s nuclear and chemical forces, officials said.
Russian authorities say that two of their oil tankers have sustained heavy damage in the Black Sea during stormy weather, causing an oil spill.
Putin Signals Readiness to Negotiate Without Preconditions.
