Ukrainian troops leaving Avdiivka have booby-trapped the bodies of their fellow soldiers, according to Igor Kimakovskiy, an advisor to the head of the Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR). In an interview with TASS, Kimakovskiy stated that their assault units had discovered several private houses where the bodies of Ukrainian soldiers were found. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the bodies were rigged with explosives. He added that activities to inspect and clear the city are ongoing.
Soldiers from one of the Russian assault units also reported the presence of booby-trapped bodies of Ukrainian Armed Forces (UAF) fighters. They noted that, based on the manner of mining, the procedure had been carried out hastily.
The day before, Artem Zhoga, the chairman of the DPR parliament, stated that there may still be some isolated representatives of Ukrainian forces in Avdiivka, but they are unable to put up any resistance.
On February 17, Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu reported to President Vladimir Putin on the liberation of Avdiivka. The Ministry of Defense explained that the captured settlement was an important defense hub for the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Earlier, the head of the DPR, Denis Pushilin, announced when the process of restoring Avdiivka would begin.
