Russia Takes Control Of Avdiivka After Ukrainian Troops Withdraw - Infographics
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Ukraine said it had withdrawn its soldiers to save troops from being fully surrounded after months of fierce fighting.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.