Avdiivka

Avdiivka is a city in Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine, in the centre of the oblast just north of the regional centre, Donetsk. It is best known for the large Avdiivka Coke Plant located there. Before the Russian invasion of Ukraine the city had a population of 31,392 according to a 2022 estimate. During the war in Donbas it became a frontline city and saw a battle in 2017, and heavy fighting after the invasion that began in 2022 caused most residents to flee and left the city largely destroyed. By October 2023 its population was reported as 1,600. Russian forces captured the city on 17 February 2024, after Ukrainian forces withdrew to avoid encirclement.