In a significant development in the ongoing war in Ukraine, Russian forces have consolidated their hold on Avdiivka, capturing the city over the weekend. Russian troops have now reportedly taken full control of the Donetsk city's chemical and coke plant, according to Russia's Defense Ministry.

The Russian news agency Tass, citing the Defense Ministry, reported that the coke plant in Avdiivka had been "completely liberated" and that flags of the Russian Federation were raised atop the buildings of the enterprise. While Ukraine had previously stated that some Ukrainian units were still situated there, Russia's Defense Ministry claimed that Ukrainian soldiers have since withdrawn from the plant.

Amidst these developments, Ukrainian authorities have launched an investigation into alleged war crimes in Avdiivka and the village of Vesele. The Prosecutor Office of the Donetsk region stated that a pre-trial investigation has been initiated into the violation of laws and customs of war, combined with intentional murder. Reports have emerged of the shooting and execution of Ukrainian prisoners of war in both locations.

In other news, the widow of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, Yulia Navalnaya, has vowed to continue her late husband's fight for a free Russia. Navalnaya called on supporters to maintain their opposition to Russian President Vladimir Putin and urged them to join her in battling the Kremlin. Republican front-runner Donald Trump also addressed Navalny's death, criticizing "crooked, radical left politicians" and expressing concern over America's declining state.

Meanwhile, the Biden administration is considering providing Ukraine with powerful long-range ballistic missiles to counter Russian aggression. Late last year, the U.S. began supplying Ukraine with Army Tactical Missile Systems, but now it is considering sending the longer-range variant to strike deeper into the Russian-held Crimean Peninsula. However, uncertainty remains regarding U.S. funding for arms shipments due to opposition from former President Donald Trump and his Republican allies in Congress.

There are also reports of potential sanctions being imposed on Chinese companies believed to be aiding Russia in fueling the war in Ukraine. Lawmakers in the U.S. have indicated that plans for such sanctions are under consideration, following similar proposals by the European Union last week.

As the conflict intensifies, public figures in Russia are facing substantial pressure to display overt support for the war effort. The aftermath of a scandal surrounding a "nearly naked" party in Moscow last year has highlighted the Kremlin's attempt to juxtapose a patriotic Russian society with a hedonistic Westernized elite. Celebrities who attended the party have faced significant backlash, with some being blacklisted from performing in Russia.

The situation in Ukraine remains fluid, and the Russian capture of Avdiivka represents a major milestone for Russian forces in their pursuit of control over the Donetsk region. The conflict continues to escalate, with serious allegations of war crimes being investigated and the international community called upon to provide increased support to Ukraine.