Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu announced on Saturday night that his forces had taken “full control” of Avdijivka.
Videos posted on social media show what appear to be Russian soldiers raising a Russian flag over a factory in the city.
It was described as Russia’s biggest success since the fall of Bachmut about a year ago.
Stopped support from the West
The Russian successes and Ukraine’s inability to defend against the offensive are an obvious consequence of the delay in Western support. This is what the American think tank ISW writes in its daily reporting.
Russia has now gained the upper hand in the war against Ukraine, which lacks ammunition to defend itself against the Russian offensive, according to ISW’s report.
New arms deliveries from the West will probably be delayed until the summer, something that will be exploited by Russia, writes ISW further.
Russia can take advantage in the coming months, before the mud season gets under way, and gain ground along the front while the ground is still frozen.
Launched several attacks west of Avdijivka
However, Oleksandr Syrskyi, who took over the role of Ukraine’s top defense chief last week, said the Ukrainian armed forces will return to the city.
Russia has launched several attacks west of the town of Avdijivka, which was recently captured by the Russians, in an attempt to make more progress on the ground, a Ukrainian military spokesman said.
– The enemy is actively trying to develop its offensive, says spokesman Dmytro Lychovij on state television.