Ukraine digs in after retreat from 'hell' of Avdiivka but vows to punish Russian advance

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Ukraine’s military said on Monday (February 19) its troops are taking up new defensive positions in the east – and repelling Russian attempts to develop an offensive thrust.

The move comes after their retreat from the town of Avdiivka which is now under Russian control.

Vice Commander Rodion Kudriashov of one of Ukraine's most prominent fighting units, the Third Assault Brigade, said that the withdrawal from the battered industrial town didn't mean Ukraine had lost the war.

His brigade had been rushed to Avdiivka to reinforce Kyiv's troops there 12 days before the withdrawal. Comprised of assault infantry, the brigade had said earlier the situation in Avdiivka was "hell."

The brigade took part in a counteroffensive in eastern Ukraine last summer and fought in the battle of Bakhmut, another town in eastern Ukraine that held out for many months before being captured last May.

On Sunday (February 18), Russia said it had taken control of the Ukrainian town of Avdiivka, its biggest gain since the fall of Bakhmut in May. That Russian success came as U.S. lawmakers continued to wrangle over a military aid package for Kyiv.
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