Russia's Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu has told President Vladimir Putin that Russian forces have taken full control of Avdiivka, a key city in Ukraine's eastern region that saw fierce fighting.

The Russian defense ministry said on Saturday that the city's liberation made it possible to push the frontline away from the region's capital Donetsk. Avdiivka is located about 15 kilometers north from the central city.

The ministry added that Russian forces will continue offensive operations to further liberate the broader Donetsk region.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Putin congratulated the Russian military on its success in taking control of Avdiivka.

Russian forces had been intensifying their offensive to capture the city since around last October. The Putin administration apparently aims to take advantage of the victory there ahead of the presidential election in March.

Ukraine's military commander-in-chief had earlier announced the withdrawal of his troops from Avdiivka.

On Saturday, Oleksandr Syrskyi praised Ukrainian service members who engaged in fierce battles with Russian forces. He also vowed that his forces would return to reclaim the city.