Russians seize Avdiivka: Ukraine's military vows to reclaim invaded territories

Syrskyi delivered his speech during commemorations for the soldiers who fell in the 2015 battle for Debaltseve.

The commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine expressed that the battles for the city are deeply personal for him. "For me, Debaltseve is more than just a chapter in our history. It's a significant part of our ten-year strugle for independence against Russian aggression," he strongly emphasized.

During his speech, the military official discussed the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from Avdiivka for the first time. He stressed that the city's loss is temporary and their goal is to reclaim all areas captured by the invaders.

"We are confident in our eventual return to Debaltseve, Vuhlehirsk, Lohvynove, Ridkoduby; we will return to our Ukrainian lands in Avdiivka and Donetsk. We will liberate all our native Ukrainian lands," he proclaimed.

Media outlets informed at noon on Saturday that Russians have taken control of the entire territory of Avdiivka, including the coke and chemicals factory, according to a report by DeepState, a channel specializing in OSINT (note from the editor).

"The Ukrainian forces' withdrawal from Avdiivka followed a plan that accounted for various scenarios and possible operational changes. Nevertheless, at the operation's final stage, a certain number of our soldiers were captured," stated Gen. Oleksandr Turnavskyi, the commander of the Tauryda task force.

Prior to February 24, 2022, Avdiivka, located in eastern Ukraine, was home to 34,000 inhabitants. Some of the war's fiercest battles, spanning nearly two years, have taken place around this city.

Avdiivka is considered a critical passage to the nearby Donetsk, the largest city that Russia-backed separatists captured as early as 2014. Since then, it has been under occupation and has been unlawfully annexed by Moscow. Months of intense combat have left Avdiivka almost entirely destroyed.

Source: Telegram/PAP