Putin congratulates his troops on the conquest of Avdivka, in eastern Ukraine

In a statement released by the Russian Ministry of Defense, President Vladimir Putin congratulated the Russian Army for the successful conquest of the Avdivka bastion in eastern Ukraine. This comes after continued fighting in the city since last October. The Kremlin was informed of the capture by Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu. The official note states that the Minister of Defense informed the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces about the seizure of full control of Avdivka in the Donetsk People’s Republic. Putin also sent a telegram congratulating all units involved in the fighting and paid tribute to the fallen heroes. Denis Pushilin, the head of the Donetsk region imposed by Moscow, expressed gratitude to the Russian Army for taking the Ukrainian bastion. The Russian Defense Ministry stated that only a few Ukrainian formations were able to withdraw from Avdivka, leaving behind their weapons and military equipment. Meanwhile, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine highlighted the limitations his country’s troops face due to the lack of ammunition and long-range missiles from the West. He mentioned that Russia is adapting to the situation on the battlefield. Zelensky made these remarks after Kyiv troops withdrew from Avdivka.