February 19, 2024 – 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Ukraine said it had withdrawn its soldiers to save troops from being fully surrounded after months of fierce fighting. Putin hailed the fall of Avdiivka as an important victory and congratulated Russian troops, according to Reuters.
