"Russian Forces Advance in Ukraine: The Fall of Avdiivka"
Russian forces are reportedly advancing west of Avdiivka, Ukraine, capturing villages and establishing new defensive lines, as Ukraine claims to repel Russian attacks. The withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from Avdiivka was a significant blow to Kyiv, with the city being a strategic and symbolic victory for Moscow. Ukrainian President Zelensky stated that the withdrawal was to preserve the lives of their fighters, as the city had become a deadly battleground. The casualties sustained by Ukraine are thought to be heavy, while Russian losses are estimated to be significant.