Ukraine withdrawing from Avdiivka, where outnumbered defenders held out for 4 months
In a short statement posted on Facebook early Saturday, a Ukrainian commander said he had made the decision to avoid encirclement by Russian forces and "preserve the lives and health of servicemen."
KYIV, Ukraine — Ukraine's military chief said early Saturday that he's withdrawing troops from the city of Avdiivka in eastern Ukraine, where outnumbered defenders battled a Russian assault for four months.
The timing is critical as Russia is looking for a morale boost ahead of the second anniversary on Feb. 24 of Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine and the March presidential election in Russia.
In a short statement posted on Facebook early
