RUSSIA – The Russian Defense Ministry on Wednesday announced that its forces had captured Avdiivske in Donetsk Oblast, eastern Ukraine.

According to the ministry, the advance was achieved “as a result of offensive actions” by a unit of the Center group of troops.

It added that Russian aviation, drones, missile forces and artillery targeted Ukrainian air defense radar, command centers, drone assembly sites and temporary deployment points for both Ukrainian units and foreign mercenaries in 149 areas.

The statement further noted that Russian air defense systems intercepted two guided aerial bombs, two rockets fired from US-made HIMARS systems, and 162 unmanned aerial vehicles.

Donetsk remains a key battleground in the ongoing war, with both sides regularly announcing advances that are often disputed.