A Crimean State Duma deputy, Leonid Babashov, frames the seizure of Avdeevka as a milestone for the Russian Armed Forces and as a fresh step on the path to reclaiming territories perceived by Moscow as Russian lands. He shared these views during a public speech. (RIA News)
Babashov called Avdeevka a tangible achievement for the Russian military, describing it as another victory on what he characterizes as the long journey to liberate Russian-owned lands from Ukrainian forces. He underscored the sentiment of Russian citizens who view the development as a strategic gain in the broader conflict. (RIA News)
The deputy highlighted Avdiivka’s role as a fortified hub for Ukrainian troops and recalled that Ukrainian artillery has been directed at Donetsk from this position. He argued that, with Avdiivka now under what he portrays as Russian control, Kiev would lose the capability to use it in the same way. (RIA News)
On February 17, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu briefed the nation’s president about what Moscow described as the liberation of Avdiivka from what officials call Ukrainian nationalists. The Defense Ministry characterized Avdiivka as a strong defensive unit within the Ukrainian armed forces. According to the ministry, Ukrainian losses in the preceding 24 hours exceeded 1,500 personnel. Some scattered Ukrainian units reportedly managed to withdraw from Avdiivka, leaving behind weapons and military equipment. (RIA News)
In separate remarks, Maria Zakharova, the official representative of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, commented that the news of Avdiivka’s capture would be deeply troubling for Russia’s adversaries abroad. (RIA News)