Photos from Avdiivka, the ruined Ukrainian city now under Russia’s control
A view of Adviivka, 15 February 2024. Photo: Konstantin Liberov / Libkos / Getty Images
Avdiivka, a city in eastern Ukraine with a pre-war population of 30,000 people, first came under fire almost 10 years ago when the war in Donbas broke out. Hostilities resumed after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in 2022 and Russia launched an active offensive last autumn. On Saturday Ukraine announced that it would withdraw its troops from the city after years of fighting, leaving the city — or what remains of it — in the uncontested control of Russian forces.
This is what has become of Avdiivka after years of shelling.
A view of the Avdiivka Coke and Chemical Plant, the largest coke producer in the country before the war, February 2024. Photo: Kostiantyn Liberov / Libkos / Getty ImagesA police officer escorting a local man as he evacuates from Avdiivka, October 2023. Photo: Vlada Liberova / Libkos / Getty ImagesThe Monument to the Unknown Soldier in Avdiivka, December 2023. Photo: Marek M. Berezowski / Anadolu / Getty ImagesThe ruins of Avdiivka, December 2023. Photo: Kostiantyn Liberov / Libkos / Getty ImagesThe ruins of Avdiivka, December 2023. Photo: Kostiantyn Liberov / Libkos / Getty ImagesThe remains of an apartment block in Avdiivka, December 2023. Photo: Vlada Liberova / Libkos / Getty ImagesAbandoned military vehicles on the road to Avdiivka, February 2024. Photo: Kostiantyn Liberov / Libkos / Getty Images“Avdiivka is Ukraine” reads the now infamous sign at the entrance to the city. Photo: Pierre Crom / Getty ImagesUkrainian soldiers on their way into the city, February 2024. Photo: Vlada Liberova / Libkos / Getty Images
