In the 130th day of the conflict, Russia claims to have taken control of Lysychansk, sparking fierce fighting for important Ukrainian cities in the Donbass region of the country.
Army of Ukraine declares departure from Lysychansk
After weeks of hard combat with Russian forces, the Ukrainian army said that its fighters had left the important eastern city of Lysychansk.
The army made the decision to retreat “in order to spare the lives of Ukrainian defenders,” it said in a statement, citing Russia’s numerical and material advantages.
Ukraine did not immediately respond to the Russian assertion, which, if true, would represent a huge victory for Moscow since the start of its military operations in February.
After taking control of the last significant city, Lysychansk, Russia claimed that it and its allies had completely controlled the Luhansk region of Ukraine.
The “liberation” of the Luhansk region as a result of the seizure of Lysychansk, formerly a significant coal mining hub, was communicated to President Vladimir Putin by Russian Defense Minister General Sergei Shoigu, according to the Russian Defense Ministry on Sunday.
According to Army General Sergei Shoigu’s report to Putin, the Russian armed forces and units from the Luhansk People’s Republic’s militia “gained full authority over the city of Lysychansk” after effective combat operations, the ministry said in a statement.
Ukraine did not immediately respond to the Russian assertion, which, if true, would be a huge turning point for Moscow on the 130th day.
