Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu during a meeting with military leaders (European Archives)

Russia announced "full control" of Avdiivka in eastern Ukraine after Kiev said it had withdrawn all its forces from this industrial city that had been the center of battles for months, which Russian President Vladimir Putin described as an important victory.

The Russian Defense Ministry said that Minister Sergei Shoigu informed President Putin, on Saturday, in the Kremlin of the control of this city, which was "a strong defensive position for the Ukrainian Armed Forces."

Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that the president listened to the Defense Minister's report on taking control of Avdiivka, and "the president congratulated our soldiers and fighters on this important victory."

Shoigu explained that Russian forces took control of about 31 square kilometers in Avdiivka, most of which was destroyed and where Ukrainian soldiers established strong defenses.

He added that Russian forces are currently "finally clearing the city" of Ukrainian soldiers and blocking the way for Ukrainian units who took refuge in a factory in the city.

The Ukrainian army withdrew from Avdiivka after months of violent battles and in light of a shortage of fighters and ammunition, despite an attempt to send reinforcements to the city's garrison. The army reported that Russian forces captured many of its soldiers during their withdrawal.

The Ukrainian army said it had withdrawn all its forces from Avdiivka (Anatolia)

Zelensky calls Biden

Politically, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Saturday evening that he had spoken by phone to US President Joe Biden and discussed with him the situation on the front, confirming his confidence with Biden that Congress would make a “wise decision” to release tens of billions of dollars in military aid to Kiev.

For its part, the White House saw the Ukrainian army's withdrawal from Avdiivka as evidence of the "cost of inaction" by the US Congress, which prevents the disbursement of additional military aid to Kiev worth $60 billion.

White House National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson called on members of Congress to approve this assistance “without delay.”

Ukraine has been hoping for months to approve this aid decided by the Biden administration, but it faces opposition from Republicans in Congress.

Source: Agencies