The Battle of Avdiivka: Putin's biggest victory in Ukraine, the importance of Avdiivka

Ukraine has announced its withdrawal from the strategic city of Avdiivka in the Donetsk region, which has been the focus of intense combat.

The city, largely destroyed and with a prewar population of over 30,000 reduced to around 1,000 residents, holds significant strategic and logistical value.

The capture of Avdiivka by Russian forces is seen as a symbolic win for Moscow and could potentially make it more difficult for Ukraine to stage attempts to reclaim the regional capital of Donetsk.

The withdrawal is expected to boost Russian morale ahead of the second anniversary of the war and reinforce concerns about Ukraine's military supplies and personnel.

The city's capture is not considered a significant operational gain, but it could set conditions for further limited tactical gains.