Russia says it has taken Avdiivka after Ukrainian troops withdrew

A Ukrainian soldier fires towards Russian positions on the outskirts of Avdiivka (Evgeniy Maloletka/AP)

Russian forces have taken complete control of the Ukrainian city of Avdiivka, Russia’s defence ministry said on Saturday.

Russian defence minister Sergei Shoigu told the Kremlin that Russian forces were now working to clear the final pockets of resistance at the Avdiivka Coke and Chemical Plant, officials said in a statement.