Russia has full control of Avdiivka Coke and Chemical Plant, says Russian Defense Ministry

The Russian military has taken “full control” of the Avdiivka Coke and Chemical Plant in Ukraine’s Donetsk region, according to Russia’s Defense Ministry. A Russian flag has reportedly been raised over the administrative building.

The Russian pro-war Telegram channel Rybar, which is close to Russia’s Defense Ministry, wrote that Ukrainian positions have been “partially abandoned” but that there are still “pockets of resistance” remaining.

Russian troops have been conducting an operation to surround Avdiivka, an important Ukrainian stronghold near the city of Donetsk, since October 2023.

On February 17, Commander-in-Chief of Ukraine’s Armed Forces Oleksandr Syrskyi announced the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from the city.