Zelensky: "Withdrawal from Audiivka... Not Russian Occupation"

Navalny Death "Putin Can Kill Anyone If He Wants"

Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine, announced on the 17th (local time) that troops have withdrawn from the eastern battleground of Avdiivka. However, he emphasized that this does not mean Russian forces have occupied the area.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine

In his speech on the second day of the Munich Security Conference (MSC) in Germany, President Zelensky explained that the withdrawal was a decision made to avoid encirclement and was a choice to save the lives of soldiers. He added, "Retreating a few kilometers does not mean that Russia has taken anything. Russia has not occupied anything."

Avdiivka, located adjacent to the Russian-controlled area of Donetsk Oblast, has seen frequent clashes since the beginning of the conflict. Earlier that day, the Ukrainian military had announced the withdrawal from Avdiivka at dawn. Brigadier General Oleksandr Tarnavskyi, revealing the withdrawal, said, "To protect the lives and health of our soldiers, we decided to withdraw the unit from this city and defend from a more advantageous frontline."

Regarding the death in custody of Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny, Zelensky stated, "Putin kills anyone he wants, whether they are opposition leaders or anyone he sees as a target," and said he cannot regard President Putin as a legitimate leader.

President Zelensky reiterated calls for Western support, citing delays in repelling Russian forces due to shortages of long-range weapons and ammunition.