Avdiivka

Moscow, meanwhile, claims its forces destroyed a third U.S.-supplied Abrams tank near the Russian-held town of Avdiivka.

Withdrawals coincide with unverified claims that a U.S.-supplied Abrams tank was destroyed—for the first time—near the Russian-held town of Avdiivka.

Emmanuel Macron makes suggestion at hastily arranged meeting of EU leaders in Paris.

Officials in Kyiv and Washington blame the fall of Avdiivka on the continued delay of U.S. assistance earmarked for Ukraine’s struggling war effort.

Town’s reported capture brings Moscow one step closer to exerting control over entire Donbas region, a longstanding Russian objective.

Kyiv sends reinforcements to contested town, which remains besieged on three sides by Russian armored divisions.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy replaced army chief Gen. Valerii Zaluzhnyi, citing ‘urgent changes’ needed.

Veteran journalist Seymour Hersh reports that private talks are now underway between Russian, Ukrainian military commanders.