Reference News Network, February 21** According to AFP on February 20**, Russia announced on the 20th that it had occupied the village of Klinki on the Dnieper River in southern Ukraine. In October last year, the Ukrainian army made great efforts to build a bridgehead here, and this place is also one of the few advances made after the defeat of the Ukrainian army in the summer last year.
Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu reported the results to Putin, and not so long ago, Russian troops occupied Avdeyevka. "Klinki has been cleared, and we actually control the entire riverbank," Shoigu said. ”
The report pointed out that in a few days, the Russia-Ukraine conflict will enter its third year.
In the Kherson region, it is reported that the Ukrainian army has been trying to "encroach" on the territory of the left (eastern) bank of the Dnieper for several months. In very difficult conditions, the Ukrainian army established positions in the village of Klinki. The Russian army has carried out massive bombardment, and the village of Klinki has been completely destroyed.
Over the weekend, Putin called the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from Avdeyevka a "hasty escape." In this regard, he commented that Kyiv ordered the withdrawal of troops "for political reasons, in order to cover up the operation and give the appearance of an organized withdrawal."
Shoigu considered the capture of Avdeyevka a "great success." He also said that the troops fighting on the ground "are resting and preparing for a new battle" because Russia is going on the offensive on multiple fronts.
Ukraine confirmed on the 20th that the Russian army launched dozens of attacks in the east and south. (Compiled by Lu Longjun).