Russia claims full control of Ukraine's eastern city Avdiivka. Ukraine's General Oleksandr Tarnavsky early on Saturday said that the Ukrainian forces withdrew from the eastern town of Avdiivka, where the situation had considerably deteriorated in the past few days. The step was taken by Ukraine, hours after it signed the French security deal. Watch former US Ambassador Kurt Volker speak to WION on Russia capturing Avdiivka...Watch to know more!

Russia-Ukraine war | Former US ambassador to NATO speaks to WION

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all the latest news and top headlines from all across the globe: Ukraine's General Oleksandr Tarnavsky early on Saturday said that the Ukrainian forces withdrew from the eastern town of Avdiivka, where the situation had considerably deteriorated in the past few days. The step was taken by Ukraine, hours after it signed the French security deal. Watch to know more!

Russia-Ukraine war: Moscow claims 'full control' of Ukraine's eastern city

Ukraine's General Oleksandr Tarnavsky early on Saturday (Feb 17) said that the Ukrainian forces withdrew from the eastern town of Avdiivka, where the situation had considerably deteriorated in the past few days. The step was taken by Ukraine, hours after it signed the French security deal. 
 
"Based on the operational situation around Avdiivka, in order to avoid encirclement and preserve the lives and health of servicemen, I decided to withdraw our units from the city and move to defence on more favourable lines," said Tarnavsky, on Telegram. 
 
"In a situation where the enemy is advancing over the corpses of their own soldiers with a ten-to-one shelling advantage, under constant bombardment, this is the only right decision. Encirclement was prevented, personnel were withdrawn, and our soldiers took up defence at the designated lines,” he added. 
 
Avdiivka, which is a gateway to Donetsk,&nbsp;a city seized by Russia, has been completely destroyed after seeing fierce fighting in recent months.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-says-reinforcing-troops-in-embattled-eastern-town-of-avdiivka-as-russia-steps-up-attacks-690872">Ukraine says reinforcing troops in embattled eastern town of Avdiivka as Russia steps up attacks</a>

Since 2014, it became a battlefield town after large swathes of the eastern Donetsk and Luhansk regions were seized by the Russian-backed fighters. 
 
The fall of Avdiivka marks the most significant change in the front line since Russia seized Bakhmut in May 2023. On February 24, 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine. 
 
This was also the first major decision taken by Ukraine's new military chief Oleksandr Syrsky after being appointed on February 8. Syrsky said that the troops were withdrawn to preserve the lives of soldiers and stop their encirclement. 
 
"I decided to withdraw our units from the city and switch to defence on more favourable lines,” said Syrsky on Facebook. "Our soldiers performed their military duty with dignity, did everything possible to destroy the best Russian military units and inflicted significant losses on the enemy," he added.

<h2 lang="en-US">Zelensky signs French security deal</h2>

Ukrainian&nbsp;President Volodymyr Zelensky and French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday (Feb 16) signed a security pact at the Elysee palace, hours after signing a similar deal with Germany, which was hailed by Chancellor Olaf Scholz as a "historic step" to confirm the country's support to Kyiv in the battle against Russia.

Watch:&nbsp;Medical use of Cannabis now legal in Ukraine

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The agreement with France includes a French pledge to provide Ukraine with up to €3 billion ($3.2 billion) in aid for 2024, as per&nbsp;officials. The pact is likely to go on for 10 years and will strengthen co-operation between the two countries in the area of artillery. 
 
As per&nbsp;officials, the deal is aimed at helping Ukraine with the "re-establishment of its territorial integrity within its internationally-recognised borders", and forestall "any renewed Russian aggression". 
 
"France affirms that a future Ukrainian membership would constitute a useful contribution to peace and stability in Europe," the officials said, quoting the agreement.

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.&nbsp;

Ukraine's General Oleksandr Tarnavsky early on Saturday (Feb 17) said that the Ukrainian forces withdrew from the eastern town of Avdiivka, where the situation had considerably deteriorated in the past few days.

Ukraine's General Oleksandr Tarnavsky early on Saturday (Feb 17) said that the Ukrainian forces withdrew from the eastern town of Avdiivka, where the situation had considerably deteriorated in the past few days. The step was taken by Ukraine, hours after it signed the French security deal. "Based on the operational situation around Avdiivka, in order to avoid encirclement and preserve the lives and health of servicemen, I decided to withdraw our units from the city and move to defence on more favourable lines," said Tarnavsky, on Telegram. "In a situation where the enemy is advancing over the corpses of their own soldiers with a ten-to-one shelling advantage, under constant bombardment, this is the only right decision. Encirclement was prevented, personnel were withdrawn, and our soldiers took up defence at the designated lines,” he added. Avdiivka, which is a gateway to Donetsk, a city seized by Russia, has been completely destroyed after seeing fierce fighting in recent months. Also Read: Ukraine says reinforcing troops in embattled eastern town of Avdiivka as Russia steps up attacks Since 2014, it became a battlefield town after large swathes of the eastern Donetsk and Luhansk regions were seized by the Russian-backed fighters. The fall of Avdiivka marks the most significant change in the front line since Russia seized Bakhmut in May 2023. On February 24, 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine. This was also the first major decision taken by Ukraine's new military chief Oleksandr Syrsky after being appointed on February 8. Syrsky said that the troops were withdrawn to preserve the lives of soldiers and stop their encirclement. "I decided to withdraw our units from the city and switch to defence on more favourable lines,” said Syrsky on Facebook. "Our soldiers performed their military duty with dignity, did everything possible to destroy the best Russian military units and inflicted significant losses on the enemy," he added. Zelensky signs French security deal Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday (Feb 16) signed a security pact at the Elysee palace, hours after signing a similar deal with Germany, which was hailed by Chancellor Olaf Scholz as a "historic step" to confirm the country's support to Kyiv in the battle against Russia. Watch: Medical use of Cannabis now legal in Ukraine The agreement with France includes a French pledge to provide Ukraine with up to €3 billion ($3.2 billion) in aid for 2024, as per officials. The pact is likely to go on for 10 years and will strengthen co-operation between the two countries in the area of artillery. As per officials, the deal is aimed at helping Ukraine with the "re-establishment of its territorial integrity within its internationally-recognised borders", and forestall "any renewed Russian aggression". "France affirms that a future Ukrainian membership would constitute a useful contribution to peace and stability in Europe," the officials said, quoting the agreement. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Ukraine withdraws forces from Avdiivka, hours after signing French security deal

The Ukrainian forces have now retreated from a position in the southern Ukrainian city of Avdiivka and this major development has come ahead of the 2nd anniversary of the Russia-Ukraine war.

Russia-Ukraine war | Ukraine withdraws from position south Avdiivka

The Russia-Ukraine war continues to drag on. Zelensky is seeking much-needed aid for Ukraine. Meanwhile, Russia continues with its relentless grinding. Is Ukraine's Avdiivka next on Putin's target? Watch this video to find out.

Why does Russia want to capture Ukraine's Avdiivka?

The Ukrainian military said on Tuesday (November 7) that it had repelled a Russian assault and was bracing for a new Russian attempt aimed at key frontline town Avdiivka in eastern Ukraine. Russia is dug in along the 1000 kilometre (600-mile) long frontline in eastern Ukraine after its initial attempts of marching on Kyiv failed in early days of the Ukraine war.

Ukraine has not made any significant progress in its counteroffensive which was initially expected to yield rapid results. The counteroffensive was launched in the eastern and southern parts of the country in June.

Ukraine's General Staff has now said that Ukrainian forces had repelled 15 attacks near Kupiansk and 18 attacks near Maryinka.

Russia has made fresh attempts to take Avdiivka since mid-October. The Ukrainian army has said that nine Russian attacks were repelled.

Watch | Gravitas: Russia benefits as Zelensky struggles to keep Western support for Ukraine

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Vitaliy Barabash, head of Avdiivka's military administration, has said that several days of rain means that a fresh Russian advance is not immediately expected.

"We've had nearly a week of heavy rain," he told the public broadcaster Suspilne. "The terrain is too difficult and equipment cannot move."

The official added that the Russians have been shelling the coking plant in the town.

The village of Avdiivka has become somewhat of a symbol of Ukrainian resistance in the face of Russian attacks. The village is seen as a key point and a gateway to areas in the east that Ukraine aims to take back. Donetsk is just 20 kilometres from Avdiivka.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-says-it-destroyed-major-russian-ship-in-black-sea-655900">Ukraine says it destroyed major Russian ship in Black Sea</a>

The town was briefly occupied by Russia-backed separatists in 2014. Ukrainian forces then retook the town and built considerable fortifications around it.

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Barabash said that only six people remain in Avdiivka which had a pre-war population of 32,000. The last sixteen workers who were keeping the coking plant working have also been evacuated.

The six people who remain, apart from troops, are two doctors and four nurses.

"These are our city's angels," Barabash told Suspilne.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Ukrainian military said on Tuesday (November 7) that it had repelled a Russian assault and was bracing for a new Russian attempt aimed at key frontline town Avdiivka in eastern Ukraine.

The Ukrainian military said on Tuesday (November 7) that it had repelled a Russian assault and was bracing for a new Russian attempt aimed at key frontline town Avdiivka in eastern Ukraine. Russia is dug in along the 1000 kilometre (600-mile) long frontline in eastern Ukraine after its initial attempts of marching on Kyiv failed in early days of the Ukraine war. Ukraine has not made any significant progress in its counteroffensive which was initially expected to yield rapid results. The counteroffensive was launched in the eastern and southern parts of the country in June. Ukraine's General Staff has now said that Ukrainian forces had repelled 15 attacks near Kupiansk and 18 attacks near Maryinka. Russia has made fresh attempts to take Avdiivka since mid-October. The Ukrainian army has said that nine Russian attacks were repelled. Watch | Gravitas: Russia benefits as Zelensky struggles to keep Western support for Ukraine × Vitaliy Barabash, head of Avdiivka's military administration, has said that several days of rain means that a fresh Russian advance is not immediately expected. "We've had nearly a week of heavy rain," he told the public broadcaster Suspilne. "The terrain is too difficult and equipment cannot move." The official added that the Russians have been shelling the coking plant in the town. The village of Avdiivka has become somewhat of a symbol of Ukrainian resistance in the face of Russian attacks. The village is seen as a key point and a gateway to areas in the east that Ukraine aims to take back. Donetsk is just 20 kilometres from Avdiivka. Also Read | Ukraine says it destroyed major Russian ship in Black Sea The town was briefly occupied by Russia-backed separatists in 2014. Ukrainian forces then retook the town and built considerable fortifications around it. Also Read | Ukraine military chief's adviser killed as grenade among his birthday gifts explodes Barabash said that only six people remain in Avdiivka which had a pre-war population of 32,000. The last sixteen workers who were keeping the coking plant working have also been evacuated. The six people who remain, apart from troops, are two doctors and four nurses. "These are our city's angels," Barabash told Suspilne. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine Army braces for Russian attack on key town after repelling several assaults

The Russian army, which has been fighting to gain control of the embattled city of Avdiivka, in eastern Ukraine have most probably faced some worst casualty rates this year, as they have faced losses of at least 4,000 troops, as per reports. 
 
In a call held with US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin on Saturday (Oct 28), Ukraine Defence Minister Rustem Umerov spoke about the staggering death tally of the Russian army in Avdiivka, as per a Telegram post by the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence. 
 
The defence ministry of the United Kingdom stated eight brigades had been deployed by Moscow in its campaign for Avdiivka, which is home to a sprawling coke plant and is located roughly 16 miles from Donetsk, which has been occupied by Russia. However, those forces have “likely suffered some of Russia’s highest casualty rates of 2023 so far”.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-8-injured-after-russian-strike-in-ukraines-kherson-dozens-of-buildings-damaged-652137">At least 8 injured in Russian strike on Ukraine’s Kherson, dozens of buildings damaged</a>

In its Saturday battlefield report, the Ukrainian General Staff stated that Russian forces were making attempts to encircle Avdiivka, however, Kyiv has continued to repel the Russian troops strongly. “The Ukrainian soldiers are standing their ground, inflicting major losses on the enemy,” it stated. 
 
The assault was launched by Russia on the embattled Donetsk in mid-October as Ukrainian forces were slammed with repeated artillery assaults along with multiple attacks by armoured vehicles and troops, as per the local and military authorities in Ukraine.

<h2>Moscow lost at least a brigade: Zelensky</h2>

On Friday, Ukraine President Vladimir Zelensky stated that in the offensive push of Russia for Avdiivka, Moscow lost “at least a brigade”, which has different sizes but can include as many as 8,000 troops. 
 
“The invaders made several attempts to surround Avdiivka, but each time our soldiers stopped them and threw them back, causing painful losses,” stated Zelensky.

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The concentrated assault by Russia on Avdiivka came nearly five months after a counteroffensive was launched by Ukraine in the south and eastern territories, currently taken by Moscow. 
 
The American think tank, the Institute for the Study of War, on Thursday, said that the forces of Moscow have faced severe losses in equipment in their campaign to control Avdiivka, which “will likely undermine Russian offensive capabilities over the long term”. 
 
This week, the Biden administration stated that Russian soldiers are being executed by the Russian military if they are not following the orders and entire units have been threatened that they will be killed if they tried retreating from the battlefield in Ukraine.

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Russian army, which has been fighting to gain control of the embattled city of Avdiivka, in eastern Ukraine have most probably faced some worst casualty rates this year, as they have faced losses of at least 4,000 troops, as per reports.

The Russian army, which has been fighting to gain control of the embattled city of Avdiivka, in eastern Ukraine have most probably faced some worst casualty rates this year, as they have faced losses of at least 4,000 troops, as per reports. In a call held with US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin on Saturday (Oct 28), Ukraine Defence Minister Rustem Umerov spoke about the staggering death tally of the Russian army in Avdiivka, as per a Telegram post by the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence. The defence ministry of the United Kingdom stated eight brigades had been deployed by Moscow in its campaign for Avdiivka, which is home to a sprawling coke plant and is located roughly 16 miles from Donetsk, which has been occupied by Russia. However, those forces have “likely suffered some of Russia’s highest casualty rates of 2023 so far”. ALSO READ | At least 8 injured in Russian strike on Ukraine’s Kherson, dozens of buildings damaged In its Saturday battlefield report, the Ukrainian General Staff stated that Russian forces were making attempts to encircle Avdiivka, however, Kyiv has continued to repel the Russian troops strongly. “The Ukrainian soldiers are standing their ground, inflicting major losses on the enemy,” it stated. The assault was launched by Russia on the embattled Donetsk in mid-October as Ukrainian forces were slammed with repeated artillery assaults along with multiple attacks by armoured vehicles and troops, as per the local and military authorities in Ukraine. Moscow lost at least a brigade: Zelensky On Friday, Ukraine President Vladimir Zelensky stated that in the offensive push of Russia for Avdiivka, Moscow lost “at least a brigade”, which has different sizes but can include as many as 8,000 troops. “The invaders made several attempts to surround Avdiivka, but each time our soldiers stopped them and threw them back, causing painful losses,” stated Zelensky. Watch | Russia-Ukraine War | European firms helping Russia produce dagger missiles: Report The concentrated assault by Russia on Avdiivka came nearly five months after a counteroffensive was launched by Ukraine in the south and eastern territories, currently taken by Moscow. The American think tank, the Institute for the Study of War, on Thursday, said that the forces of Moscow have faced severe losses in equipment in their campaign to control Avdiivka, which “will likely undermine Russian offensive capabilities over the long term”. This week, the Biden administration stated that Russian soldiers are being executed by the Russian military if they are not following the orders and entire units have been threatened that they will be killed if they tried retreating from the battlefield in Ukraine. Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Russia suffers 4,000 casualties as fight for Avdiivka escalates in eastern Ukraine

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