Russian defense minister visits forces in Ukraine on offensive anniversary

Two soldiers of the Russian military engineering units walk after eliminating the mine danger in the city of Avdiivka, eastern Ukraine. (Russian Defense Ministry Press Service via AP, File)

Russian Defense Minster Sergei Shoigu visited Moscow’s forces in occupied Ukraine, the Russian army said on the anniversary of the start of the Kremlin’s offensive on Saturday.

“Today, in terms of the ratio of forces, the advantage is on our side,” he told troops at a command centre. The army’s statement said Shoigu was briefed that Russian forces were on the offensive after taking the industrial hub of Avdiivka.