MOSCOW, February 21 Restoring the Avdeevka coke plant in the DPR, liberated from Ukrainian militants, is possible if there is such a need, said former Prime Minister of Ukraine Mykola Azarov.
«I think that it all depends on how much the need is now… If there is a need, then, of course, I think that restoration is possible,» Azarov said, noting that first we need a detailed analysis of the state of the enterprise and the feasibility its restoration.
On February 19, the Russian Ministry of Defense reported that the Center group had taken full control of the coke plant in the Avdeevsky direction, and Russian flags were hoisted on the administrative buildings of the plant.
On the night of February 17, the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Alexander Syrsky, gave the order to leave Avdeevka. However, the Russian Ministry of Defense later reported that the order came a day after the uncontrolled flight of Ukrainian units from the city began. On February 17, during offensive operations, units of the Russian group of troops «Center» completely liberated Avdievka and advanced to a depth of 8.6 kilometers, the Ministry of Defense reported. The total area of the liberated territory was about 32 square kilometers. The enemy lost more than 1,500 troops.