Ukraine’s top commander announces withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from Avdiivka

Commander-in-Chief of Ukraine’s Armed Forces Oleksandr Syrskyi has announced the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from the city of Avdiivka in Ukraine’s Donetsk region.

“Based on the current operational situation around Avdiivka, in order to avoid encirclement and to preserve the lives and health of military personnel, I have made the decision to withdraw our units from the city and transition to defense at more advantageous positions,” Syrskyi wrote.

Syrskyi stated that Ukrainian soldiers “have fulfilled their duty admirably” and inflicted “significant losses on the Russian army in terms of personnel and equipment.”

“The lives of our servicemen are the most important. We will reclaim Avdiivka regardless,” added Syrskyi.