“The “Center” grouping conducted an offensive to completely take over the coke plant in the direction of Avdeyevka. Russian flags were raised in the administrative buildings of the factory,” the Ministry said.

According to the report, Ukrainian units withdrew harassed by the Russian artillery and aviation.

Avdeyevka (formerly Avdiivka) is a settlement in northern Donetsk used by the Ukrainian forces to shell the region’s capital and other settlements in Donbass.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu announced to President Vladimir Putin on February 17th the complete liberation of the city.

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