Russia's Defense Ministry says its troops are in full control of the Avdiivka coke plant, marking the biggest battlefield gain in nine months following one of the most intense battles of the war.
Russian forces have taken full control of the Soviet-era coke plant in the battered Ukrainian town of Avdiivka, reports citing the Russian Defense Ministry said on Monday.
The ministry said its troops had advanced about 9 kilometers (5 miles) in that part of the 1,000-km (620-mile) front line, and that Russian soldiers were pushing forward following a deadly urban battle.
"The 'Centre' grouping of troops, taking the offensive, took full control of the coke plant in Avdiivka," the ministry said in its statement, along with a video that showed a series of blasts in what appeared to be the plant.
"Russian flags were hoisted on the administrative buildings of the plant," the ministry added. There was no immediate comment from Ukraine.
The fall of Avdiivka marks Moscow's biggest gain since it captured the city of Bakhmut in May 2023. It also comes almost two years to the day since Russia launched a full-scale war by ordering the invasion of Ukraine.
Source: Dw
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