Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said his forces have taken complete control of the Ukrainian city of Avdiivka. Russian forces were now working to clear the final pockets of resistance at the Avdiivka Coke and Chemical Plant, Shoigu told the Kremlin in a statement. Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said his forces have taken complete control of the Ukrainian city of Avdiivka. Russian forces were now working to clear the final pockets of resistance at the Avdiivka Coke and Chemical Plant, Shoigu told the Kremlin in a statement.