Day 725 of the Invasion of Ukraine: Zelensky Vowed That Kyiv Would Regain Its Lost Territories

Day 725 of the invasion of Ukraine. Summary of key events in the last 24 hours:

• Zelensky vowed that Kyiv would regain its lost territories
• Russia hit Kramatorsk, there are casualties
• Biden blamed Congress for the Ukrainian defeat in Avdiivka
• Ukraine claims that Russian losses at Avdiivka are over 47,000 people
• Navalny's relatives continue to search for his body
• The foreign ministers of Ukraine and China discussed the prospects for peace between Moscow and Kyiv

Zelensky vowed that Kyiv would regain its lost territories

Russian President Vladimir Putin called the capture of the Ukrainian town of Avdiivka an "important victory" after Ukraine's military chief said his troops had withdrawn from the devastated eastern town after months of intense fighting. At the same time, Russian forces shelled the cities of Sloviansk and Kramatorsk in the Donetsk region. Strikes were also carried out against the Kharkiv region.

Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated the army on the capture of Avdiivka. According to the Russian Defense Ministry, the success will help move the front line away from the city of Donetsk. The ministry states that measures are currently being taken to clear the settlement and to block the Ukrainian soldiers who have left the city and are currently hiding in the nearby coke and chemical plant.

US President Joe Biden blamed the US Congress for the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from Avdiivka. He criticized Congress for failing to approve $60 billion in military aid to Ukraine. Biden urged lawmakers to urgently pass the bill to...