Ukraine withdrawing from Avdiivka after lengthy Russian assault

A Ukrainian soldier sits in his position in Avdiivka, Donetsk region, Ukraine in 2023 (AP Photo/Libkos, File)

Ukraine’s military chief said early on Saturday that he is withdrawing troops from Avdiivka in eastern Ukraine, where they have 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 February 24 of Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and the March presidential election in Russia.