Russian forces improve positions on front lines - defence ministry

Russia's defence ministry on Saturday said Russian forces had improved their positions on the front lines in four different areas, including in Ukraine's Donetsk region, Russian news agencies reported.

Ukrainian troops withdrew from the devastated eastern town of Avdiivka, Ukraine's new army chief said in the early hours of Saturday, paving the way for Russia's biggest advance since May 2023 when it captured the city of Bakhmut.