“The order of the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Syrsky to abandon the city was issued only a day after the uncontrolled flight of Ukrainian troops from Avdiivka began,” said official representative of the Russian Ministry of Defense Igor Konashenkov.
Earlier, the Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Alexander Syrsky, announced the withdrawal of units from Avdiivka.
The head of the Russian Ministry of Defense, Sergei Shoigu, reported to Russian leader Vladimir Putin about the complete takeover of the Avdeevka settlement by the Center group of troops.
Putin sent a congratulatory telegram to the units that participated in the liberation of Avdeevka in the DPR.