Russia ‘fully liberated’ residential areas of Sievierodonetsk: Defense minister

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said Tuesday that Moscow’s troops were in full control of the residential areas of Sievierodonetsk, a key city in Ukraine’s east.

Sievierodonetsk - the largest city still in Ukrainian hands in the Luhansk region of eastern Ukraine - has been the focal point of fighting in recent weeks.

“The residential areas of the city of Sievierodonetsk have been fully liberated,” Shoigu told a defense ministry meeting in televised remarks.

For the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.

The Russian army was still seeking to establish control over the city’s “industrial zone and the nearest settlements,” he added.

Since President Vladimir Putin sent troops into Ukraine on February 24, the Russian army has made significant gains in the east of the country, expanding on territories previously controlled by pro-Moscow separatists.

Russian forces are now in control of the eastern Ukrainian port city of Mariupol, the second busiest in the country before the conflict.

“The de-mining of the Mariupol port is complete. It is operating as normal and has accepted the first cargo ships,” Shoigu said.

Shoigu added that 6,489 Ukrainian soldiers have surrendered to Russian troops since the start of Moscow’s offensive.

Read more:

Bodies of some Ukrainian fighters from Mariupol handed over to Kyiv: Families

US orders seizure of two planes owned by Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich

Ukraine’s leader: Russia seeks another key city in southeast