Russia says it has taken control of the Ukrainian city of Avdiivka

Russia’s Defense Ministry announced on Saturday that its forces have taken control of the Ukrainian city of Avdiivka.

This announcement comes after Ukraine’s military chief said they had withdrawn troops from the eastern Ukraine city, according to The Associated Press.

Videos on social media reportedly showed the Russian flag waving above a chemical plant building in the Ukraine city. 

Ukrainian commander Col. Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi said he made the decision to retreat in order to preserve the lives and health of servicemen.

“Our soldiers performed their military duty with dignity, did everything possible to destroy the best Russian military units, inflicted significant losses on the enemy in terms of manpower and equipment," he said, according to the outlet. 

The U.S. has been providing aid to Ukraine amid its ongoing war with Russia that began two years ago this month.  

Earlier this week, the Senate passed a $95.3 billion foreign aid package that would give Ukraine $60 billion, but it is expected to have a difficult time passing in the House.