Russian Forces in Full Control of Avdiivka Following Rout of Ukrainian Forces: Moscow

Russia has declared victory in the months-long battle for Avdiivka in the eastern Donetsk region after wresting control of the town’s vast coke plant from retreating Ukrainian forces. “Within the context of offensive operations in Avdiivka, the central battlegroup has assumed full control of the coke plant,” Russia’s defense ministry said in a Feb. 19 statement. Russian media showed what appeared to be Ukrainian flags being removed from the coke plant—and other buildings in Avdiivka—before being replaced with those of the Russian Federation. In an earlier statement released by the Kremlin, Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated troops that took part in the operation, which he hailed as an “important victory.”...