Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu inspected Russia's Center group of troops in the special military operation area, where he heard reports from the group's commander and staff officers.
"The commander of the group, Col. Gen. Andrey Mordvichev, reported to the Russian minister of defense that during the operation to liberate Avdeyevka, the enemy was driven back from its positions by more than 10 kilometers. Russian troops continue the offensive in their directions," the ministry said.
It said Ukrainian soldiers who remained in Avdeyevka are surrendering in large numbers, with about 200 servicemen having been captured.
The ministry said Shoigu noted the need for a humane attitude toward captured Ukrainian military personnel.