Russia claims “full control” of Avdivka, Vladimir Putin hails as “significant victory”

Russia claimed that, on Saturday 17 February, the “Total Control” From the city of Avdiivka. Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu briefed Vladimir Putin on the conquest of this industrial city in eastern Ukraine. “Powerful Defense Structure of the Ukrainian Armed Forces”Ministry report. “The President congratulated our troops and our fighters for this important victory”According to a Kremlin spokesman, quoted by Russian news agencies.

The Ukrainian military announced overnight Friday into Saturday that it had withdrawn from Evdiyka after months of heavy fighting and intensified Russian attacks aimed at capturing the largely devastated city. The President of Ukraine expressed a “Right Decision” Determined for “Save as many lives as possible”. “To avoid encirclement, it was decided to retreat to other lines”Volodymyr Zelensky added.

Faced with a growing shortage of resources, particularly due to the blocking of American military aid, Ukraine could barely avoid this withdrawal in the face of Russia, which was pushing its troops to achieve military success with greater numbers and more ammunition. few days Before the second anniversary of the start of the invasion, 24 February. In a telephone conversation with his Ukrainian counterpart on Saturday, the American president criticized“Inaction of Congress” American, while reiterating “United States Commitment to Continue Support to Ukraine”.