Avdiivka, Ukraine – Russia has claimed full control of the town of Avdiivka in Ukraine, marking its biggest gain since capturing Bakhmut in May 2023. The fall of Avdiivka comes almost two years after President Vladimir Putin ordered the invasion of Ukraine, plunging the two countries into a full-scale war. The Russian Ministry of Defence reported that its troops had advanced 8.6km in that part of the 1,000km front line, with some Ukrainian troops still holed up in a Soviet-era coke plant following intense battles.
President Putin hailed the fall of Avdiivka as a significant victory and congratulated Russian troops. The Kremlin stated that the head of state celebrated the success as an important milestone. Ukraine, on the other hand, said it withdrew its soldiers to prevent them from being fully surrounded after months of fierce fighting. Nonetheless, Russia asserted that some Ukrainian forces were still entrenched at the Avdiivka Coke and Chemical Plant, a key location for Russia’s aim of securing full control of the industrial Donbas region.
Russian state television aired footage of Ukrainian flags being taken down in Avdiivka and Russia’s flag being raised, but there was no public comment yet from Ukrainian authorities. Avdiivka holds particular symbolism for Russia, as it was briefly taken in 2014 by Moscow-backed separatists before being recaptured by Ukrainian troops who built extensive fortifications. Control over the city was crucial to Russia’s efforts to secure full control of the industrial Donbas region, presenting a significant blow for Ukraine, which has been struggling to repel Russian forces amid ammunition shortages and limited manpower.
The capture of Avdiivka is expected to provide a morale boost for Russia as President Putin gears up for re-election. It is also seen as another step towards securing Moscow’s hold on the regional center of Donetsk, about 20km to the east, held by Russian and pro-Russian forces since 2014. With the war between Ukraine and Russia set to enter its third year, the fall of Avdiivka signifies a significant shift in the ongoing conflict.